IPA: /ˈbæl.ə.stər/
KK: /ˈbælʌstər/
A vertical post that supports a handrail or a similar structure, often found in staircases or balconies.
The baluster was beautifully carved and added elegance to the staircase.
Baluster → The word 'baluster' comes from the Italian 'balaustra', meaning a 'pomegranate flower', which refers to the shape of the baluster resembling the flower's form. The term was adopted into English through Middle French 'balustre'.
Imagine a pomegranate flower, which the word 'baluster' is shaped like, to help you remember that a baluster is a decorative support often seen in railings.