Trellis: meaning, definitions and examples

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trellis

 

[ˈtrɛlɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in gardening

A trellis is a structure made of intersecting pieces of wood, bamboo, metal, or plastic that is used to support climbing plants.

Synonyms

framework, grid, lattice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trellis

Used primarily in gardening and farming to refer to a structure that supports climbing plants.

  • They installed a trellis for the roses to climb up the wall.
  • The vineyard used a wooden trellis to support the grapevines.
framework

Refers to a basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text, often used in scientific, academic, or technical contexts.

  • The researchers developed a new framework for analyzing data.
  • We need a solid framework to guide our project's development.
lattice

Often used in fields like physics, chemistry, and materials science to describe a regular, repeating structure. In everyday language, often refers to a crisscross pattern made of strips of material.

  • The garden fence had a beautiful lattice design.
  • The crystal lattice structure gives diamonds their strength.
grid

Commonly refers to a network of lines that cross each other to form a series of squares or rectangles, can be used in contexts like maps, urban planning, or data organization.

  • The city is laid out in a grid pattern.
  • She plotted the coordinates on a grid to visualize the data.

Examples of usage

  • The roses were growing beautifully on the trellis in the garden.
  • The grapevines climbed the trellis to reach the top of the fence.
Context #2 | Noun

in architecture

A trellis is an open framework or lattice of metal bars in a window or door.

Synonyms

grating, mesh, screen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trellis

Used in gardening and landscaping, typically to support climbing plants like vines or roses. Often seen in gardens, vineyards, and outdoor patios.

  • They trained the roses to grow along the trellis.
  • The grapevines wrapped around the wooden trellis, creating a beautiful green canopy.
grating

Used in construction and industrial settings to cover openings, allowing air or liquid to pass while preventing larger objects from falling through. Can also refer to an unpleasant sound.

  • He stepped carefully over the metal grating on the sidewalk.
  • The grating noise of the machinery was unbearable.
screen

Versatile usage, including protecting areas from insects, providing privacy, or displaying images and information on electronic devices.

  • They installed a screen on the porch to keep mosquitoes out.
  • She watched the movie on her laptop screen.
mesh

Used in various applications, from screen doors to industrial filtration, where a net-like structure is needed to contain smaller particles or allow certain things to pass through.

  • The window mesh kept the bugs out while letting the breeze in.
  • The filter's fine mesh prevented sand from entering the water tank.

Examples of usage

  • The elegant trellis on the windows added a decorative touch to the house.
  • She could see the garden through the trellis on the balcony.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'trelyse,' meaning a framework or lattice.
  • It is derived from the Latin word 'tribula,' which refers to a framework used for support.
  • In earlier times, this structure was primarily associated with grapes, emphasizing its agricultural roots.

Gardening and Botany

  • Using a trellis can significantly improve air circulation around plants, helping them to thrive.
  • Climbing plants that utilize a trellis can produce more fruit or flowers because they have better access to sunlight.
  • Trellises can come in various designs, from simple wooden panels to intricate wrought iron, allowing for creativity in gardens.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, trellises symbolize growth and support, often used in gardens to beautify spaces.
  • Trellises are common features in traditional Japanese gardens, where they enhance the aesthetic appeal of both plants and landscapes.
  • In Mediterranean regions, they are used extensively for grapevines, crucial for winemaking traditions.

Art and Architecture

  • In art, trellises often appear as motifs representing structure intertwined with nature, reflecting harmony.
  • Architectural designs sometimes integrate trellis systems to improve the organic feel of buildings, blending natural and built environments.
  • Vincent van Gogh famously painted works featuring trellises, showcasing their role in agricultural life.

Sustainability

  • Using a trellis in urban gardening can maximize space, allowing for healthier plant growth in limited areas.
  • They contribute to biodiversity by providing habitats for beneficial insects, which can help control pests naturally.
  • Trellises are often part of permaculture designs, helping to create sustainable layouts in gardens.

Translations

Translations of the word "trellis" in other languages:

🇵🇹 treliça

🇮🇳 जालीदार संरचना

🇩🇪 Gitter

🇮🇩 teralis

🇺🇦 решітка

🇵🇱 kratownica

🇯🇵 トレリス (toreisu)

🇫🇷 treillis

🇪🇸 enrejado

🇹🇷 kafes

🇰🇷 격자 구조 (gyeokja gujo)

🇸🇦 تعريشة

🇨🇿 mříž

🇸🇰 mreža

🇨🇳 格子 (gézi)

🇸🇮 rešetka

🇮🇸 málmnet

🇰🇿 тор көз

🇬🇪 გისოსი (gisosi)

🇦🇿 şəbəkə

🇲🇽 enrejado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,728, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.