ceiling
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ceiling¹
- /ˈsiːlɪŋ/ UK
- /ˈsilɪŋ/ US
Sounds like sealing · Rhymes with -iːlɪŋ
Where it comes from
From Middle English celing (“paneling; (bed) cover or hanging”), from celen (“to cover or panel walls”) (from Old French celer (“to conceal”)) + -ing (gerund-forming suffix). By surface analysis, ceil + -ing.
noun ceilings
- The overhead closure of a room. The dining room had an ornate ceiling.
- The upper limit of an object or action. […] and only at Barnet did Tappin give Empire of India a burst to bring us up to the 60 m.p.h. speed ceiling of the London area.
- The highest altitude at which an aircraft can safely maintain flight.
- The measurement of visible distance from ground or sea level to an overcast cloud cover; under a clear sky, the ceiling measurement is identified as "unlimited." Even though it was cloudy, there was still enough ceiling for the Blue Angels to perform a great show.
- The smallest integer greater than or equal to a given number. The ceiling of 4.5 is 5; the ceiling of −4.5 is −4.
- The inner planking of a vessel.
- The maximum permitted level in a financial transaction.
- The overhead interior surface that covers the upper limits of a room.
ceiling²
- /ˈsiːlɪŋ/ UK
- /ˈsilɪŋ/ US
Sounds like sealing · Rhymes with -iːlɪŋ
Where it comes from
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
verb
- present participle and gerund of ceil
