girder
UK: ˈɡɜːdə | US: ˈɡɜːrdər
n. a large iron or steel beam or compound structure used for building bridges and supporting heavy loads in construction.
The word "girder" originates from the verb "gird," meaning "to encircle or bind," which traces back to Old English gyrdan. The suffix "-er" denotes an object or tool that performs the action. Historically, girders were named for their function of "binding" or supporting structures, much like a belt (another meaning of "gird") encircles the waist. The term evolved in the 17th century to specifically describe load-bearing beams in construction, reflecting their role in "holding together" buildings or bridges.
The workers installed a steel girder to reinforce the bridge.
The warehouse's roof collapsed due to a fractured girder.
Engineers calculated the load capacity of each girder before construction.
The old railway bridge still relies on its original iron girders.
A crane lifted the massive girder into place atop the skyscraper.