newel
/ˈnuːəl/
noun
- The central supporting post around which the steps of a spiral staircase wind.
- The spiral staircase had a beautifully carved wooden newel at its center.
- The old castle's newel was made of stone and showed centuries of wear.
- She held onto the newel as she climbed the narrow, winding stairs.
- The post at the top or bottom of a staircase that supports the handrail.
- The handrail was attached firmly to the newel at the bottom of the stairs.
- The carpenter replaced the broken newel with a matching oak post.
- He leaned against the newel post while waiting for his friend to come down.