stair
UK: steə | US: ster
n. a series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another
n. (archaic) a single step in a staircase
The word "stair" traces back to Old English stǣger, meaning "a step or flight of steps." It shares roots with Old Norse stigi (ladder) and German Steige (ascent), all derived from Proto-Germanic staigri-, linked to the verb stīganą ("to climb"). The core idea revolves around vertical movement, preserved in modern usage. Unlike many compound words, "stair" is monomorphic—its spelling and meaning have remained cohesive without separable morphemes in English.
She tripped on the top stair and dropped her books.
The ancient tower had a spiral stair leading to the roof.
Each stair creaked under his weight as he climbed.
The painter carefully depicted the marble stair in the palace.
(Archaic) "He paused on the stair to catch his breath."