ceiling — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The overhead closure of a room.

   Examples

   The dining room had an ornate ceiling.

2. The upper limit of an object or action.

   Synonyms

   cap

   Antonyms

   floor

   Examples

   […] and only at Barnet did Tappin give Empire of India a burst to bring us up to the 60 m.p.h. speed ceiling of the London area.

   Market forces naturally move the economy to the equilibrium, and the price ceiling has no effect on the price or the quantity sold.

3. The highest altitude at which an aircraft can safely maintain flight.

4. The measurement of visible distance from ground or sea level to an overcast cloud cover; under a clear sky, the ceiling measurement is identified as "unlimited."

   Examples

   Even though it was cloudy, there was still enough ceiling for the Blue Angels to perform a great show.

5. The smallest integer greater than or equal to a given number.

   Examples

   The ceiling of 4.5 is 5; the ceiling of −4.5 is −4.

6. The inner planking of a vessel.

7. The maximum permitted level in a financial transaction.

8. The overhead interior surface that covers the upper limits of a room.

Noun

1. the overhead upper surface of a covered space

   Broader terms

   upper surface

   Examples

   he hated painting the ceiling

2. (meteorology) altitude of the lowest layer of clouds

   Broader terms

   altitudeheight

3. an upper limit on what is allowed

   Synonyms

   roofcap

   Broader terms

   control

   Examples

   he put a ceiling on the number of women who worked for him

   there was a roof on salaries

   More examples (1)

   they established a cap for prices

4. maximum altitude at which a plane can fly (under specified conditions)

   Broader terms

   altitudeheight