Structural Engineering Terminology

noun a long piece of wood, metal, or other material, typically horizontal, supporting structure of a roof, bridge, or ceiling

verb to emit or transmit (a signal or ray of light) in a specified direction

• The beam of light illuminated the entire room.
• I saw a beam of light coming from the window.
• I can't believe she beamed when she saw him.
• Her smile beamed as she accepted the award.

noun a structure carrying a road, path, railroad, or canal across a river, ravine, road, railroad, or other obstacle.

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• The bridge was constructed using the latest engineering techniques.
• Let's meet at the bridge at 3 pm.
• I can't believe he actually bought that bridge in Brooklyn.
• The new policy acts as a bridge between the company and its employees.

noun the act of suddenly falling down or giving way

verb to fall down or give way suddenly

• The company faced financial difficulties which ultimately led to its collapse.
• I heard that the old building might collapse soon if they don't renovate it.
• The party was so wild, I thought I was going to collapse from exhaustion.
• Her world seemed to collapse when she received the devastating news.

noun the action of deflecting or the state of being deflected

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• The deflection of the light beam was caused by the prism's angle.
• The ball's deflection off the wall was unexpected.
• I totally deflected the question by changing the subject.
• Her deflection of blame onto others was evident in her behavior.

noun a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, typically causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust

• The earthquake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale, causing significant damage to buildings in the area.
• Did you feel that earthquake last night? It shook the whole house!
• That earthquake was no joke, it had me shaking in my boots!
• Her sudden outburst at the meeting was like an emotional earthquake, leaving everyone stunned.

noun a cable or wire used to brace or support a structure, such as a pole or mast

• The construction workers secured the tower using strong guywires.
• Make sure you tie the guywires tightly so the tower doesn't fall over.
• I almost tripped over that dang guywire!
• The guywire of support from his friends helped him through a difficult time.

noun a human being, especially an adult male

adjective made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally

• The man made structure stood tall against the skyline.
• The man made bridge was a convenient shortcut for the locals.
• That man made sculpture is pretty cool, don't you think?
• His smile was like a man made facade, hiding his true emotions.

noun a tall structure or tower used for carrying electric cables or other forms of communication

• The electrical pylon stood tall against the backdrop of the city skyline.
• I saw a bunch of birds perched on top of that pylon over there.
• Hey, let's go hang out by the pylon and chill for a bit.
• The pylon of success in her career was finally within reach.

noun a rigid substance or material

adjective stiff or unyielding; not flexible

• The company has strict and rigid guidelines in place for employee conduct.
• My dad is so rigid about curfew, he never lets me stay out past 10pm.
• I can't believe how rigid the dress code is at that school, it's so old-fashioned.
• Her rigid mindset prevented her from seeing things from a different perspective.

noun a downward curve or bulge in a structure or object, typically caused by weakness or lack of support

• The fabric of the dress began to sag after multiple washes.
• I need to do some squats at the gym, my butt is starting to sag.
• Her mood really started to sag after she received the bad news.
• The team's performance began to sag in the second half of the game.

verb sagging is the action of hanging or drooping downward

adjective sagging is describing something that is hanging or drooping downward

• The weight of the heavy books caused the sagging shelves to bow in the middle.
• She noticed her sagging pants and quickly pulled them up.
• His sagging attitude was bringing down the whole team.
• The economy showed signs of sagging after the stock market crash.

noun a building or other object constructed from parts

adjective relating to or affecting the structure of something

• The structural integrity of the building was compromised after the earthquake.
• The structural design of this house is really impressive.
• I'm no expert, but the structural layout of this place seems off.
• The structural foundation of their relationship was built on trust and communication.

noun a stiff, erect posture or gait

verb to walk with a stiff, erect posture

• The peacock displayed its vibrant feathers as it strutted around the garden.
• She likes to strut around in her new designer shoes.
• He thinks he's so cool when he struts down the street with his sunglasses on.
• With confidence in her abilities, she strutted into the interview room.

verb to become gradually narrower or thinner towards one end

adjective having a gradually decreasing thickness or width

• The architect designed the building with tapered columns for added elegance.
• She bought a pair of tapered jeans that fit perfectly.
• I like how those tapered leggings look on you.
• His patience tapered off as the meeting dragged on.

verb to support or strengthen from below; to provide a foundation or basis for

• The research study was undergirded by a strong theoretical framework.
• The success of the project was undergirded by teamwork and dedication.
• His confidence was undergirded by his new haircut.
• The principles of democracy undergird the foundation of our society.

noun a part of a building or structure that extends or hangs down below a horizontal surface

verb to hang down or extend below a horizontal surface

• The underhang of the building provided shade from the sun.
• We sat under the underhang to stay dry during the rain.
• Let's chill under the underhang and avoid the crowd.
• The underhang of his argument was weak and easily refuted.

noun a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion experienced after prolonged exposure to 3D technology

• Research shows that prolonged exposure to 3D technology can lead to 3D fatigue among viewers.
• I can't watch another 3D movie, I think I have 3D fatigue.
• I'm so over 3D movies, they give me major 3D fatigue.
• After hours of gaming in 3D, I felt like I was experiencing 3D fatigue in real life.