post and lintel
- noun
- Specialized
:
poste y dintel
- The architect explained that the post and lintel method is a simple yet effective way to create open spaces in buildings.
Examples
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In classical architecture, the post and lintel design is often seen in the construction of doorways and windows.
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The ancient temple was built using a strong post and lintel system to support its roof.
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This relationship also occurs in the front elevation, where the inscribed post and lintel units meet the giant corner piers.
Academic text (1990) -
Even still, buildings would be more earthquake-safe if they were domes, but unfortunately we've ignored this obvious fact in favor of buildings based on the post and lintel principle; hence, we usually have four walls and a ceiling.
Blog text (29)
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase denotes a literal combination of its parts: 'post' (vertical support) and 'lintel' (horizontal beam) joined by 'and' to describe a structural arrangement. This is a straightforward compositional description (not idiomatic) and follows cross-linguistically common naming for building systems, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will understand the meaning.
Etymology
Post and lintel paints a simple building picture: two upright supports called posts hold a flat beam called the lintel across the top, like a doorway or a table top. That's why it refers to a basic way to 'hold up' or 'support' a roof or opening.
