cantilever

American  

[kan-tl-ee-ver, -ev-er] / ˈkæn tlˌi vər, -ˌɛv ər /

Also cantaliver or cantalever

noun

1. any rigid structural member projecting from a vertical support, especially one in which the projection is great in relation to the depth, so that the upper part is in tension and the lower part in compression.

2. Building Trades, Civil Engineering. any rigid construction extending horizontally well beyond its vertical support, used as a structural element of a bridge cantilever bridge, building foundation, etc.

3. Aeronautics. a form of wing construction in which no external bracing is used.

4. Architecture. a bracket for supporting a balcony, cornice, etc.

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verb (used without object)

1. to project in the manner of a cantilever.

verb (used with object)

1. to construct in the manner of a cantilever.

cantilever British  

/ ˈkæntɪˌliːvə /

noun

1. 1. a beam, girder, or structural framework that is fixed at one end and is free at the other

   2. ( as modifier )

      a cantilever wing

2. a wing or tailplane of an aircraft that has no external bracing or support

3. a part of a beam or a structure projecting outwards beyond its support

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verb

1. (tr) to construct (a building member, beam, etc) so that it is fixed at one end only

2. (intr) to project like a cantilever

cantilever Scientific  

/ kăn′tl-ē′vər,-ĕv′ər /

1. A projecting structure, such as a beam, that is supported at one end and that carries a load at the other end or along its length. Cantilevers are important structures in the design of bridges and cranes.

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Etymology

Origin of cantilever

1660–70; perhaps cant ² + -i- + lever

Example Sentences

Marx’s background is in fashion journalism, and “Blank Space” can feel unduly cantilevered toward that world, detailing the history of hip lines like A Bathing Ape and luxury brands’ uncomfortable embrace of streetwear.

From Los Angeles Times

Filled with surprising patios, alleys and landings, it’s one of his forays into postmodernism: brightly colored buildings contain, among other features, gabled brick rooflines, extra-bulky columns, long cantilevers and cylindrical steel elevators.

From Los Angeles Times

It shows the home at night, with two young women sitting inside in a cantilevered corner, its floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the lights of the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

“I wanted it to feel cantilevered and light because I didn’t want it to block the views,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times

In this manner, the cantilevered base of the building need not carry any load beyond the first eight stories, a solution that would make the base lighter and cheaper.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• girder
• joist
• piling
• pillar
• plank
• pole
• shaft
• sill
• timber