Definition
The highest point of a wave, ridge, or curved surface. In aviation contexts, the term most commonly refers to the top of a mountain ridge, the peak of an ocean or atmospheric wave, or the uppermost point of a curved structural surface such as the top of a propeller blade's leading edge or a runway hump.
Plain English
The top point of something that rises and then falls — like the top of a hill, the top of a wave, or the highest point of a curve.
Context Anchor
Pilots may see this word in terrain, mountain flying, weather, and wave-motion discussions.
Derivation
From Latin 'crista,' meaning the tuft or comb on top of a bird's head — the highest point sticking up. The aviation use keeps that same idea: the topmost point of something.
Why Pilots Care
Identifying the crest helps anticipate wind flow, updrafts on the windward side, and dangerous downdrafts on the lee side.
Analogy
Like the peak line of a roof where wind hits and then spills down both sides.
Intuition Check
Do not think of crest only as a badge or symbol. In aviation use, it usually means the physical top or highest part of a raised shape.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot crossed the ridge at least 2,000 feet above the crest to stay clear of turbulence on the downwind side.
Example Sentence 2
Downdrafts became strong just past the crest of the mountain range.