Pelaren

Pelaren is the definite singular form of the Swedish noun pelare, which means pillar or column. In Swedish, en pelare refers to a pillar, while pelaren designates a specific pillar. The plural indefinite is pelare, and the definite plural is pelarna. The term is most commonly used in architectural and construction contexts.

In architecture, a pelare is a vertical supporting element that carries loads from above to the foundation. Pelare can be made from stone, brick, wood, or metal, and they may be freestanding, part of a colonnade, or integrated into walls and arches. They can be cylindrical or polygonal and may feature decorative elements such as capitals or bases. Pelare are used to define spaces, carry beams or arches, and contribute to the structural and aesthetic language of a building.

The word is also used metaphorically in Swedish to denote a central support or cornerstone of a system, organization, or argument. For example, a proposal might be described as a pelare of policy, emphasizing its role as a fundamental element. In everyday language, pelare can thus convey both literal architectural meaning and figurative importance.

Notes on usage: pelaren appears in descriptive or historical texts about buildings, monuments, and urban design, as well as in more abstract discussions about essential supports in various contexts. The term is common in Swedish-language sources related to architecture, art, and cultural heritage.