Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- a large beam, as of steel, reinforced concrete, or timber, for supporting masonry, joists, purlins, etc.
- a principal beam of wood, steel, etc., supporting the ends of joists.
noun
- a large beam, esp one made of steel, used in the construction of bridges, buildings, etc
- botany the structure composed of tissue providing mechanical support for a stem or leaf
“main supporting beam that carries flooring,” 1610s, agent noun from gird, on notion of something that “holds up” something else. Used of iron bridge supports from 1853.