pinnacle
UK: ˈpɪn.ə.kəl | US: ˈpɪn.ə.kəl
n. the highest point of achievement or development
n. a small pointed tower or spire, especially on a roof
n. (figurative) a peak or climax
pinnacle = pinn<peak> + acle<diminutive suffix>
- pinn (from Latin pinna, meaning "feather, wing, pointed tip") → evolved to denote "peak" or "summit."
- acle (diminutive suffix from Latin -aculum, indicating "small" or "related to") → softens the root to imply a "small peak" or "elevated point."
Etymology Origin:
The word pinnacle traces back to Latin pinna (originally "feather," later extended to "battlement" due to the pointed shape of feathers). Over time, pinna merged with the diminutive suffix -aculum in Old French (pinnacle), referring to architectural spires. By the 14th century, it entered English, retaining both literal (architectural) and figurative (climax) meanings. The logic hinges on the imagery of a feather’s tip → a towering point → symbolic zenith.
The scientist’s Nobel Prize marked the pinnacle of her career.
Gothic cathedrals are often adorned with intricate pinnacles.
Reaching the pinnacle of the mountain took three days of climbing.
His latest novel represents the pinnacle of modern literature.
The team’s performance was the pinnacle of teamwork and skill.