First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1crest
noun \ˈkrest\
: the highest part or point of something (such as a hill or wave)
: a group of decorative feathers at the top of a bird's head; also : a decorative bunch of hair on the head of another animal
: a special symbol used especially in the past to represent a family, group, or organization
Full Definition of CREST
1
a : a showy tuft or process on the head of an animal and especially a bird — see bird illustration b : the plume or identifying emblem worn on a knight's helmet; also : the top of a helmet c (1) : a heraldic representation of the crest (2) : a heraldic device depicted above the escutcheon but not upon a helmet (3) : coat of arms 2a d : a ridge or prominence on a part of an animal body
2
: something suggesting a crest especially in being an upper prominence, edge, or limit: as a : peak; especially : the top line of a mountain or hill b : the ridge of a roof c : the top of a wave
3
a : a high point of an action or process and especially of one that is rhythmic b : climax, culmination <at the crest of his fame>
— crest·al \ˈkres-təl\ adjective
— crest·less \-ləs\ adjective
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Origin of CREST
Middle English creste, from Anglo-French, from Latin crista; probably akin to Latin crinis hair
Related to CREST
2crest
verb
: to reach the highest part or point of (a mountain, wave, etc.)
: to rise to a high level before going back down
Full Definition of CREST
transitive verb
1
: to furnish with a crest; also : crown
2
: to reach the crest of <crested the hill and looked around>
intransitive verb
: to rise to a crest <waves cresting in the storm>
See crest defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CREST
15th century
CREST Defined for Kids
crest
noun \ˈkrest\
Definition of CREST for Kids
1
: a showy growth (as of flesh or feathers) on the head of an animal
2
: the highest part or point of something <the crest of the wave> <the crest of a hill>
3
: an emblem or design used to represent a family, group, or organization
— crest·ed \ˈkres-təd\ adjective
Medical Dictionary
crest
noun \ˈkrest\
Medical Definition of CREST
1
: a showy tuft or process on the head of an animal and especially a bird
2
: a process or prominence on a part of an animal body: as a : the upper curve or ridge of the neck of a quadruped (as a horse); also : the mane borne on such a crest b : a ridge especially on a bone <the crest of the tibia>—see frontal crest, occipital crest
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