Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
✂️ A cutting device 🌳 A person who trims 🔧 An adjusting part 🪚 A support beam
trimmer

trimmer

8.3
A short beam that supports another beam at the edge of a floor opening
  • noun
  • /ˈtrɪmər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : viga de refuerzo
  • The architect specified a heavy-duty trimmer to support the new staircase opening.

Examples

  • Proper installation of a trimmer is essential to maintain structural integrity around floor openings.

  • During renovations, the carpenter replaced the damaged trimmer near the chimney flue.

  • The trimmer is essential for supporting the staircase.

  • A skilled carpenter knows how to install a trimmer correctly.

  • During renovations, the carpenter replaced the damaged trimmer that was supporting the chimney opening.

  • Proper installation of a trimmer is crucial for ensuring stability around openings for staircases.

  • The architect specified a heavy-duty trimmer to adequately support the structure around the new staircase.

Synonyms

joist
vstrimmer
5 7.5

A long strong piece of wood, metal or concrete that supports floors and ceilings

focuses specifically on supporting header ends to form openings
trimmer joist
vstrimmer
  • Specialized
9.9

A beam that supports the end of an opening in floors and roofs, like a stair or chimney

is the same part but named differently in some contexts

Compounds

hedge trimmer
1 3.4

A tool with sharp blades that cuts and shapes garden hedges

trimmer arch
  • Specialized
9.9

A curved support built between short floor beams to carry the weight of a fireplace opening

trimmer joist
  • Specialized
9.9

A beam that supports the end of an opening in floors and roofs, like a stair or chimney

window trimmer
  • UK
7.4

A person who plans and sets up displays in shop windows to attract customers

Surface Forms

trimmer singular
trimmers plural

Morphology

trimmer = trim (opaque) = trim + er

Although historically related to 'trim', the construction-trade sense referring to a specific joist is specialized and not predictable from the base by average learners.

Etymology

In building, trimmer comes from trim ('to fit or finish'), and it names a beam that helps form a neat opening. That's why a trimmer supports and finishes the edge around stairs or chimneys.