joist

[ joist ]

noun

1. any of a number of small, parallel beams of timber, steel, reinforced concrete, etc., for supporting floors, ceilings, or the like.

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with or fix on joists.

joist

/ dʒɔɪst /

noun

1. a beam made of timber, steel, or reinforced concrete, used in the construction of floors, roofs, etc See also rolled-steel joist

verb

1. tr to construct (a floor, roof, etc) with joists

Other Words From

• joistless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of joist¹

1325–75; Middle English giste < Old French < Latin *jacitum support, noun use of neuter of Latin jacitus (past participle of jacēre to lie), equivalent to jaci- variant stem + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of joist¹

C14: from Old French giste beam supporting a bridge, from Vulgar Latin jacitum (unattested) support, from jacēre to lie

Example Sentences

In the middle of this broad and fantastically carved joist there was an old painting representing a cat playing rackets.

From Project Gutenberg

Two small forks or bucks-horns fastened to a joist are indispensable articles for the support of the rifle.

From Project Gutenberg

To all the woodwork round the prison doors they did the like, leaving not a joist or beam untouched.

From Project Gutenberg

The farmer sat down upon a joist beside a vat in which a bundle of osiers were steeping, his face turned towards the farmhouse.

From Project Gutenberg

Joist is sounded joice in Limerick; and catch is everywhere pronounced ketch.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• stud