Word of the Day

: December 10, 2021

palisade

noun pal-uh-SAYD

What It Means

Palisade refers to a fence of stakes used for defense or to a line of steep cliffs.

// The iron palisade surrounding the decrepit mansion stood strong.

// Kayakers encounter many unique natural structures along the river, including its steep palisades.

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palisade in Context

"The fort was built high, with a palisade, or staked fence, which was perhaps as high as 14 feet." — Scott Desmit, The Daily News (New York), 26 Oct. 2021

Did You Know?

Palisade comes from Latin palus, meaning "stake." The word originally applied to one of a series of stakes set in a row to form an enclosure or fortification. In time, its meaning was extended to a fence of stakes and, by association, to stretches of steep cliffs bordering a river.