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viga

viga

1 9.8
A large wooden beam like a log across the ceiling that supports the roof
  • noun
  • Specialized
: viga
  • The craftsmen used long vigas of cedar to construct the ceiling of the new gallery.
  • viga beams
  • viga ceilings

Examples

  • The room smells of the garlands of pine hung everywhere, from the vigas, around the doors, and at the bases of candles on each table.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Murals, posts, and vigas created and completed by CCC Corps.

    Blog text (31)
  • Eva was alone again, staring at sculpture and paintings illuminated by track lighting hung from the ceiling's ancient vigas.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • The traditional adobe house featured sturdy vigas that supported the heavy clay roof.

  • In the museum, visitors admired the intricate carvings on the vigas above their heads.

Synonyms

beam
vsviga
78 2.7

A long strong piece of wood, metal, or concrete that supports part of a building

is the large wooden exposed support used in traditional southwestern roofs and ceilings
rafter
vsviga
29 4.6

A sloping beam that supports a roof

is a large horizontal exposed wooden support used in traditional roofs or ceilings
girder
vsviga
  • Specialized
13 5.0

A long strong beam usually made of steel that supports buildings or bridges

is a wooden often exposed support used in traditional roofs or ceilings
joist
vsviga
5 7.5

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

is used as an exposed wooden support in traditional roofs or ceilings
balk
vsviga
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A large wooden beam that helps support a roof

is horizontal and often exposed rather than sloping to support a roof
purlin
vsviga
  • Specialized
1 9.6

A horizontal beam that supports roof rafters

is an exposed wooden member that supports roofs or ceilings directly

How Big

girder
  • Specialized
13 5.0
viga
  • Specialized
1 9.8
beam
78 2.7
joist
5 7.5

Surface Forms

viga singular
vigas plural

Etymology

Viga comes from the Spanish word viga, which means 'beam'. In the American Southwest, Spanish-style houses used big wooden beams like this, so a viga is a large exposed wooden beam that supports a roof.