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crossbeam

crossbeam

2 4.4
A horizontal beam that supports parts of a building, like a roof
  • noun
  • /ˈkrɔsˌbiːm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : trave
  • The nave, of course, was the living room, soaring thirty-five feet or so, with dark crossbeams in the vaulted roof and hanging lights and pointed windows.
  • posts and crossbeams

Examples

  • Except for the crossbeams that braced the hull and supported the decks, there wasn't another piece of wood on the ship that lay in a straight line.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • I crawled up that mosaic until I made it to the crossbeams of the ceiling.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • - Her legs are caught between two crossbeams.

  • Her uncle would walk in only one room upstairs, where in places the crossbeams showed through holes in the floor.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Will watches the Claw reach in and grab the massive crossbeam.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • The door was braced with heavy crossbeams, a clear sign of earthquake damage.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • My companion, with her wide blouse and long skirt, made herself comfortable on the crossbeam of the carved wooden lattice.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • A metal pole with a crossbeam that had a camera mounted at each end—with linked shutter releases—enabled me to shoot stereoscopic images.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Attached to a crossbeam just behind Penn's portrait hung a large sign that depicted the Capitol building along with various symbols of the arts—a painting palette, camera, musical score, and drafting triangle.

    Blog text (22)
  • The construction crew installed a sturdy crossbeam to reinforce the roof structure.

Synonyms

beam
vscrossbeam
104 2.7

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

is specifically horizontal and connects across a structure
girder
vscrossbeam
  • Specialized
14 5.0

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

is generally smaller and used for cross connection not primary support
crossbar
vscrossbeam
1 3.1

A bar that goes across and connects two posts for support

is used more widely in structures and gives stability across larger spans
crosspiece
vscrossbeam
1 6.7

A horizontal piece of wood or metal that connects and supports two parts

is a horizontal connector providing support across a structure
load-bearing beam
vscrossbeam
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A strong piece of wood or metal that holds the weight of parts of a building

focuses on connecting across rather than only carrying vertical loads
trave
vscrossbeam
  • Archaic
9.9

A long horizontal beam that holds up a roof or floor over an opening

is a horizontal connector providing support across a structure
traverse
vscrossbeam
  • Specialized
7.4

A horizontal beam that goes across a structure, often above a door

is a horizontal connector providing support across a structure

How Strong

girder
  • Specialized
14 5.0
crossbeam
  • Specialized
2 4.4
beam
104 2.7
slat
16 4.0

Surface Forms

crossbeam singular
crossbeams plural

Morphology

crossbeam = cross + beam (transparent) = cross + beam

The meaning is a direct combination of 'cross' (across/transverse) and 'beam' (structural support), so learners who know the components can infer the sense.

Etymology

The word crossbeam is a simple compound of cross ('across') and beam ('a long piece of wood or metal'). So a crossbeam is a beam that goes 'across' to hold up and give strength to a roof, bridge, or other structure.