noun

girder

girder

Steel girders support the bridge.

Steel girders support the bridge.

((a/the)) girder a large iron or steel beam used for building bridges and the framework of large buildings. Steel girders support the bridge.

Synonyms: beam, joist, rafter

From Old English 'gyrdan', related to 'gird', meaning to encircle or bind. A girder 'girds' or supports a structure.

Think of a girder as 'girding' or holding a building together, like a girdle holds a person.

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