girder

[ gur-der ]

noun

1. a large beam, as of steel, reinforced concrete, or timber, for supporting masonry, joists, purlins, etc.
2. a principal beam of wood, steel, etc., supporting the ends of joists.

girder

/ ˈɡɜːdə /

noun

1. a large beam, esp one made of steel, used in the construction of bridges, buildings, etc
2. botany the structure composed of tissue providing mechanical support for a stem or leaf

Other Words From

• girder·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of girder¹

First recorded in 1605–15; gird ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Structurally, it is built around a central core that will contain the main mechanical elements of the building, with the helix-shaped envelope supported by arced, fin-like girders anchored into this large, inner column.

From Washington Post

A fundamental difference in girder bridges arises from the mode of support.

From Project Gutenberg

In the girders of bridges the horizontal girder is almost exclusively subjected to vertical loading forces.

From Project Gutenberg

The centre girder may be built on the cantilevers and rolled into place or lifted from the water-level.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes a girder is rolled out about one-third of its length, and then supported on a floating pontoon.

From Project Gutenberg

In addition, an allowance is made for pressure on the leeward girder according to a scale.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• joist
• truss