riser
UK: ˈraɪzə | US: ˈraɪzər
n. a person or thing that rises (e.g., "an early riser")
n. a vertical part of a stair step (e.g., "the riser supports the tread")
n. a platform or stand used to elevate something (e.g., "a microphone riser")
The word "riser" combines the verb "rise" (from Old English rīsan, meaning "to move upward") with the suffix "-er" (from Old English -ere), which denotes a person or thing performing an action. The term evolved from describing people who rise (e.g., "early riser") to inanimate objects like stair components or platforms that elevate. The logic is straightforward: a "riser" is literally "one that rises."
She’s always been an early riser, waking up at dawn.
The carpenter measured the height of each stair riser.
The speaker stood on a riser to address the crowd.
The sun is a natural riser in the east every morning.
The stage crew adjusted the riser for the orchestra.