crest
UK: krɛst | US: krɛst
n. the highest part of a hill or wave
n. a tuft or growth of feathers/fur on an animal's head
n. a heraldic emblem or symbol (e.g., family crest)
The word traces back to Latin crista, meaning "tuft" or "plume," often referring to a bird’s comb or a helmet’s decoration. Through Old French (creste), it entered Middle English, retaining the dual sense of "peak" (geographical) and "ornamental growth" (biological/heraldic). The logic hinges on upward protrusion—whether a wave’s peak, a rooster’s comb, or a knight’s emblem.
The hikers reached the crest of the mountain at dawn.
The parrot’s vibrant crest stood erect when it was excited.
Their family crest featured a lion and a shield.
A white foam crest topped each crashing wave.
She wore a helmet adorned with a golden crest.