transom window
- noun
- /ˈtræn.səm ˈwɪn.doʊ/
:
ventana sobre la puerta
- As they renovated the house, they decided to replace the old transom window to improve ventilation.
Examples
-
A flimsy chain lock held the transom window.
Fiction book (1991) -
The home featured a beautiful transom window above the front door, allowing natural light into the entryway.
-
The architect designed the building with several transom windows to enhance airflow between rooms.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
An opening in a wall, roof, or vehicle with glass that lets light in and lets you see outside
8
8.4
A small window above a door that lets in light or air
1
8.2
A small curved window above a door that lets light in
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a window set above a door' is directly and compositionally derivable from 'transom' (a horizontal bar or window above a door) combined with 'window' — the phrase refers to the window occupying the transom position. This is a straightforward modifier+head noun compound following common compositional patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning.
Etymology
The noun transom window comes from the word transom, meaning the horizontal crossbar above a door, because a small window was set right above that bar to let light and air in. So the term means 'a window above a door'.