Rafter: meaning, definitions and examples

A rafter is used in the context of roof construction, defining one of the internal beams extending from the eaves to the peak of the roof.

• The carpenter measured each rafter before installing it.
• The rafters need to be strong to support the roof.

A beam is a large, strong piece of wood, metal, or concrete used to support floors or ceilings in construction. It is used in various parts of the building, not just the roof.

• The wooden beam supports the second floor of the building.
• Steel beams are essential for the structure's stability.

A joist is specifically a horizontal structural element that supports a floor or ceiling. They are usually smaller than beams and spaced closer together.

• The joists were installed to hold up the new floor.
• Each joist must be evenly placed for the ceiling to be stable.

A truss is a framework of beams, usually arranged in triangular units, providing support for the roof or bridge. It offers extra strength and stability.

• The engineer designed a truss to support the wide span of the bridge.
• Roof trusses are pre-fabricated and then installed on site.

This word is typically used to describe a group of turkeys.

• We saw a rafter of turkeys crossing the meadow.

This word can be used in a general sense for any collection of people, animals, or things.

• A group of friends decided to go hiking.
• We saw a group of dolphins near the shore.

This word is most commonly used when talking about a group of birds or sheep.

• A flock of geese flew overhead.
• The shepherd guided his flock across the field.