Abatjours

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An architectural feature designed to allow light to enter a space
2. A skylight or window that brings natural illumination indoors
3. A structural element that enhances the brightness of a room by directing light from the outside

Etymology: "Abatjours" is the plural of "abatjour", a word for a skylight or window that lets daylight into a room. The singular comes from French "abat-jour", a compound of "abattre", meaning "to knock down" or "to beat down", and "jour", meaning "day" or "light". Together the parts describe a device that throws daylight downward or inward. The French term also gives its name to a lampshade, which is shaped to cast light downward in the same way.