cantilever

or can·ta·le·ver

[ kan-tl-ee-ver, -ev-er ]

noun

1. any rigid structural member projecting from a vertical support, especially one in which the projection is great in relation to the depth, so that the upper part is in tension and the lower part in compression.
2. Building Trades, Civil Engineering. any rigid construction extending horizontally well beyond its vertical support, used as a structural element of a bridge cantilever bridge, building foundation, etc.
3. Aeronautics. a form of wing construction in which no external bracing is used.
4. Architecture. a bracket for supporting a balcony, cornice, etc.

verb (used without object)

1. to project in the manner of a cantilever.

verb (used with object)

1. to construct in the manner of a cantilever.

cantilever

/ ˈkæntɪˌliːvə /

noun

1. 1. a beam, girder, or structural framework that is fixed at one end and is free at the other
   2. ( as modifier )

      a cantilever wing

2. a wing or tailplane of an aircraft that has no external bracing or support
3. a part of a beam or a structure projecting outwards beyond its support

verb

1. tr to construct (a building member, beam, etc) so that it is fixed at one end only
2. intr to project like a cantilever

cantilever

/ kăn′tl-ē′vər,-ĕv′ər /

1. A projecting structure, such as a beam, that is supported at one end and that carries a load at the other end or along its length. Cantilevers are important structures in the design of bridges and cranes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cantilever¹

1660–70; perhaps cant ² + -i- + lever

Word History and Origins

Origin of cantilever¹

C17: perhaps from cant ² + lever

Example Sentences

As the members of the group settled into the room’s upholstered cantilever chairs — imitations of a Bauhaus style popularized in the 1920s by the Hungarian German Modernist Marcel Breuer — they nodded and offered words of encouragement.

From New York Times

When the cantilever is placed on one of the nanoparticles, a current is passed through its tip to measure the conductivity.

From Science Daily

Columns sway back and forth, like a cantilever swing, creating ample space for large groups to walk through.

From Seattle Times

“I would have to push up on my arm, straighten my knees and then cantilever up,” he continued.

From New York Times

Ms. Sicangco then worked with engineering professors at the university to design and 3-D-print a soil-mounted cantilever system that growing leaves could push against.

From New York Times

Related Words

• girder
• joist
• piling
• pillar
• plank
• pole
• shaft
• sill
• timber