Definition

Noun: 1. A stone that forms the top layer or finishing course of a wall or building: A coping stone is a flat, often slightly sloping stone placed on top of a masonry wall to protect it from water damage and to provide a finished appearance. It is the final, capping element.

Usage

The term "coping stone" is used to describe a specific architectural or construction component. It is a count noun. * The mason carefully placed the final coping stone on the garden wall. * The old building's coping stones were weathered and covered in moss. * The design of the coping stone helps to shed rainwater away from the wall.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: Sometimes used metaphorically to signify the final, completing touch or achievement in a process.
  • Winning the championship was the coping stone on her brilliant career.

Variants and Related Words

• Coping (noun): The top, typically sloping, course of a wall, often made of stone, brick, or concrete. "Coping stone" is a specific type of coping.
• Capstone (noun): A synonym often used interchangeably with "coping stone," especially in American English. It can also refer to the top stone of a structure like a pyramid or, metaphorically, a crowning achievement.
• Parapet (noun): A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony. Coping stones are used on top of parapets.

Synonyms

• Capstone
• Coping
• Headstone (in this specific architectural context, not a grave marker)
• Crowning stone

Idioms and Phrases

• To be the coping stone (of something): To be the final and perfect completion of something.
  • His promotion to director was the coping stone of his decades of dedicated service.

Noun

1. a stone that forms the top of wall or building