Definition

1. Noun:
   • A gutter in a roof: A channel or groove, especially one cut in the stone or masonry of a parapet or on the underside of a projecting molding, designed to carry rainwater away from a roof or wall.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The medieval castle's design included a cullis to direct rainwater away from the battlements.
  • During the restoration, the masons carefully cleaned the ancient cullis to ensure proper drainage.

Advanced Usage

• Architectural Context: The term is primarily used in historical or architectural descriptions, particularly concerning castles, cathedrals, and other stone buildings.
  • The architect pointed out the finely carved cullis that ran along the cornice.

Variants and Related Words

• Cullis (historical): In a historical military context, a "cullis" or "coulisse" could also refer to a groove in a drawbridge or portcullis, though this usage is now rare.

Synonyms

• Gutter: A shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater.
• Channel: A long groove or furrow.
• Conduit: A channel for conveying water or other fluid.

Related Phrases

• Cullis (Culinary): This is a homograph (a different word with the same spelling). In cooking, a cullis (or coulis) is a thin purée or sauce. This is a completely separate meaning and not related to the architectural term.
  • For dessert, a raspberry cullis was drizzled around the plate.

Noun

1. a gutter in a roof