capstone
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A stone that forms the top of a wall or building: A capstone is the final, topmost stone placed in a structure, such as a wall or arch, often serving to lock the other stones in place and complete the construction.
- A final touch; a crowning achievement; a culmination: Figuratively, a capstone is the culminating or finishing element of an effort, project, or period, representing its highest point or greatest achievement.
Usage Examples
Literal (Architectural):
- The workers carefully lowered the granite capstone onto the pillar.
- The ancient arch is held together by its central capstone.
Figurative (Achievement):
- Winning the championship was the capstone of her athletic career.
- This research project serves as the capstone to his years of study.
Advanced Usage
"Capstone project": A culminating and usually integrative academic or professional project undertaken in the final stage of a program of study.
- All seniors must complete a capstone project demonstrating their mastery of the subject.
"Capstone experience": A final, synthesizing experience in an educational program.
- The internship was designed as a capstone experience for the degree.
Variants and Related Words
- Coping stone / Copestone: A synonym, especially in British English, for the top stone of a wall.
- Keystone: A central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the whole together. While similar, a is specifically for arches, whereas a has broader architectural and figurative uses.
- Crowning: (adj.) Serving as a final, triumphant touch (e.g., a achievement).
Synonyms
- Culmination: The highest or climactic point.
- Pinnacle: The most successful point; the peak.
- Acme: The point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most successful.
- Crown: The top or highest part, often representing an achievement.
- Finale: The last part of a piece of music, entertainment, or series of events.
Idioms and Phrases
- "The capstone of": Used to denote something as the ultimate achievement in a particular area.
- Many consider this treaty to be the capstone of his diplomatic efforts.
- "To place/set the capstone on": To complete or perfect something.
- The successful product launch set the capstone on a remarkable year for the company.
Noun
- a stone that forms the top of wall or building
- a final touch; a crowning achievement; a culmination