noun
ridge of a roof
Refers to the highest horizontal line where two roof slopes meet. Also appears as the prefix むな in compounds like 棟木 (むなぎ, ridgepole).
台風で屋根の棟が壊れた。
The ridge of the roof was damaged by the typhoon.
noun
back of a sword
The blunt back edge of a single-edged blade, opposite the cutting edge. Often contrasted with 刃 (は, blade).
See also: 刀背
刀の棟で相手の腕を打った。
He struck the opponent's arm with the back of the sword.
suffix, counter
counter for buildings
Used to count houses, apartment buildings, and other structures. Attaches directly to numbers.
この町には大きなマンションが三棟ある。
There are three large apartment buildings in this town.