beam etymology

Etymology

The word "beam" has several different origins:

  • Old English: "bēam" (log, tree trunk, beam)
  • German: "balken"
  • Dutch: "balk"
  • Indo-European: "*bhelg-no-" (to swell, blow up)

Meaning

A beam is a long, narrow structural element that is used to support a load. Beams are typically made of wood, steel, concrete, or plastic.

In architecture, a beam is a horizontal structural member that supports the floor or roof above it. Beams are usually supported by columns or walls.

In engineering, a beam is a structural element that is subjected to bending forces. Beams are used in a wide variety of applications, including bridges, buildings, and vehicles.

Origin

The earliest beams were simply logs or tree trunks that were used to support roofs or floors. Over time, beams became more refined and were made from a variety of materials.

The use of beams in architecture dates back to ancient times. The Egyptians used beams made of stone to support the roofs of their temples and palaces. The Greeks and Romans used wooden beams to support the roofs of their houses and public buildings.

In the 19th century, the development of steel and concrete made it possible to build beams that were stronger and lighter than ever before. This led to the construction of taller buildings and longer bridges.

Today, beams are an essential part of modern construction. They are used in a wide variety of buildings and structures, from houses to skyscrapers.

beam relate terms

  • abeam

    Etymology The word abeam derives from two Old English words a meaning away from

  • beam

    Etymology The word beam has several different origins Old English bēam log tre

  • balance beam

    Etymology The word balance beam is derived from the following roots Balance from La

  • balance

    Etymology Middle English balaunce from Old French balance from Latin bilanx bilance

  • beam

    Etymology The word beam has several different origins Old English bēam log tre

  • boom

    Etymology The word boom has several etymological origins Middle Dutch bom meani

  • bumpkin

    Etymology The word bumpkin is derived from the Middle English term bompkyn which its

  • tree

    Etymology The word tree is derived from the following roots Proto Indo European PI

  • architrave

    Etymology The word architrave originates from the Greek words archi chief main a

  • crantara

    Etymology The word crantara has its origins in the Irish language It is a loanword de

  • bridge

    Etymology The word bridge originates from the Old English word brycg which is deriv

  • dirge

    Etymology Late Middle English from Middle French dirge from Latin dirige third perso

  • ridge

    Etymology The word ridge comes from the Old English word hrycg meaning back or s

  • experience

    Etymology The word experience comes from the Old French word esprover which in turn