I-beam

[ ahy-beem ]

noun

1. a rolled or extruded metal beam having a cross section resembling an I. Compare H-beam.

I-beam

noun

1. a rolled steel joist or a girder with a cross section in the form of a capital letter I Compare H-beam

Word History and Origins

Origin of I-beam¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

I like how Macchi makes an I-beam do the one thing it is absolutely meant not to do: bend.

From The Daily Beast

Wyman collapsed into the bay of the I-beam as if he'd been kicked in the stomach.

From Project Gutenberg

This is essentially a steel I-beam (A) which grips the logs so that they will not slip.

From Project Gutenberg

He stood at last, quivering, leaning against a gigantic I-beam that supported a heavy-casting freightway.

From Project Gutenberg

The balance is attached to an upright I-beam which is anchored to the floor and ceiling of the calorimeter laboratory.

From Project Gutenberg

I-beam was not loaded to its full capacity, its deflection caused an outward flexure of 3/4 in.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• joist
• truss