English Meaning & Definitions
A structural metal beam with an I-shaped cross-section, used primarily in the construction of buildings and bridges to provide high load-bearing strength.
- “The construction crew used a massive crane to hoist the steel I-beam into the skyscraper's skeleton.”
- “Engineers calculated that a single reinforced I-beam could support the weight of the entire upper floor.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “I-beam”.
The term is a descriptive compound named for the beam's cross-sectional shape, which resembles the capital letter 'I'. The design consists of two horizontal planes, known as flanges, connected by a vertical component called the web. This structural form was patented by Alphonse Halbou in 1849 and became a cornerstone of modern civil engineering due to its ability to resist shear and bending moments with minimal material weight.
Look at the end of the beam: it looks exactly like a capital 'I' for 'Iron' or 'Industry'.
Frequently Asked Questions About “I-beam”
1. What is the meaning of “I-beam” in English?
In English, I-beam (noun) is defined as: “A structural metal beam with an I-shaped cross-section, used primarily in the construction of buildings and bridges to provide high load-bearing strength.”.
2. How do you use “I-beam” in a sentence?
“The construction crew used a massive crane to hoist the steel I-beam into the skyscraper's skeleton.”
3. What are English synonyms of “I-beam”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “I-beam”?
The term is a descriptive compound named for the beam's cross-sectional shape, which resembles the capital letter 'I'. The design consists of two horizontal planes, known as flanges, connected by a vertical component called the web. This structural form was patented by Alphonse Halbou in 1849 and became a cornerstone of modern civil engineering due to its ability to resist shear and bending moments with minimal material weight.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
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A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
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A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.