ceiling

Definition

The overhead closure of a room.

Etymology

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.

Example Sentences

• "The dining room had an ornate ceiling."
• "[…] 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."
• "Market forces naturally move the economy to the equilibrium, and the price ceiling has no effect on the price or the quantity sold."