crest

[[t]krɛst[/t]]

n.

1) geo the highest part of a hill or mountain range; summit

2) the highest point or level:

riding the crest of popularity[/ex]

3) geo a ridge or ridgelike formation

4) oce the foamy top of a wave

5) geo the point of highest flood, as of a river

6) zool. a tuft or other natural growth on the top of the head of an animal, as the comb of a rooster

7) zool. the ridge of the neck of a horse, dog, etc

8) zool. the mane growing from this ridge

9) her an ornament or emblem on a knight's helmet

10) her

a) a heraldic device above the escutcheon on a coat of arms

b) coat of arms 2)

11) anat. anat. a ridge, esp. on a bone

12) zool. a ridge or other prominence on any part of the body of an animal

13) archit.

cresting 1)

14) oce to form a crest, as a wave or river

15) to top with a crest

16) to reach the crest of (a hill, mountain, etc.)

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Etymology: 1275–1325; ME creste < OF < L crista crest′ed, adj. crest′less, adj.