Crosspiece: meaning, definitions and examples

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crosspiece

 

[ ˈkrɒspɪːs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

building

A horizontal piece of wood or metal that is used to support or connect other parts, especially in the framework of a building.

Synonyms

beam, brace, strut.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crosspiece

Used in construction or carpentry to refer to a horizontal piece of wood or metal that connects two vertical structures. It is often used for stabilization or support.

  • They installed a crosspiece between the two posts for extra stability.
  • The crosspiece of the door frame needed reinforcement.
beam

Commonly used in buildings or houses for a large, sturdy horizontal structure that supports weight, such as in ceilings or floors.

  • The roof is supported by large wooden beams.
  • We need a steel beam to hold up the second floor.
brace

Often used in construction for a support structure that helps to strengthen or stabilize other parts. Can be diagonal or horizontal.

  • The carpenter added a brace to the frame to prevent wobbling.
  • Metal braces were used to secure the shelves.
strut

Used to describe a structural component, often diagonal, that resists compression and adds support, commonly in engineering or architectural contexts.

  • The bridge had metallic struts to handle the load.
  • They placed a strut under the deck to keep it level.

Examples of usage

  • The crosspieces of the roof were reinforced with steel beams.
  • They nailed the crosspiece to the top of the door frame.
Context #2 | Noun

furniture

A horizontal piece of wood or metal used as a support for a structure such as a table or chair.

Synonyms

bar, rail, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crosspiece

Often used in construction or engineering, particularly in structural designs where a horizontal piece connects two vertical elements.

  • The builders installed a crosspiece to stabilize the frame of the new building
support

Used in a broad sense to describe any object or structure that holds up or adds stability to another object, often used in structural or architectural contexts.

  • The beam acted as a support for the ceiling above
bar

Commonly used in everyday speech and can refer to a long, rigid piece of metal or wood often used for security (like window bars) or in various equipment and furniture.

  • He grabbed the bar to lift the weights at the gym
rail

Primarily refers to a horizontal structure used in transportation systems (like railway tracks) or as part of stairs and safety barriers.

  • She held onto the rail while climbing the stairs

Examples of usage

  • The table legs were connected by a sturdy crosspiece.
  • The chair's backrest was attached to the crosspiece.

Translations

Translations of the word "crosspiece" in other languages:

🇵🇹 travessa

🇮🇳 क्रॉसपीस

🇩🇪 Querbalken

🇮🇩 potongan melintang

🇺🇦 поперечка

🇵🇱 poprzeczka

🇯🇵 横木 (yokogi)

🇫🇷 traverse

🇪🇸 travesaño

🇹🇷 enine parça

🇰🇷 가로대 (garodae)

🇸🇦 عارضة عرضية

🇨🇿 příčník

🇸🇰 priečnik

🇨🇳 横梁 (héngliáng)

🇸🇮 prečka

🇮🇸 þverbjálki

🇰🇿 көлденең тірек

🇬🇪 გადაჯვარედინება

🇦🇿 eninə parça

🇲🇽 travesaño

Etymology

The word 'crosspiece' originated from the combination of 'cross' and 'piece', dating back to the 16th century. It has been used to describe horizontal supporting structures across various fields, from building construction to furniture design.

See also: cross, crossable, crossbar, crossbow, crosser, crosshair, crossing, crossly, crossroad, crossroads, crossway, crosswise, uncrossable.