Entresol

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small intermediate floor, typically found between two main levels in a building
2. An architectural feature that creates a partial level, often with limited height between two other floors
3. A space that serves as a mezzanine, primarily used for various purposes without extending the full height of the main floors

Etymology: Entresol is a French compound built from "entre" (between) and "sol" (ground or floor), so it literally means "between the floor." The name describes exactly what the space is: a low storey tucked between the ground floor and the first floor, often with a low ceiling and a lower status than the rooms above and below it. English took the word directly from French, where it has long been used for the same kind of mezzanine level. Its use in English is largely tied to French-style architecture, which is why it still sounds distinctly continental to many readers.