joist

[ joist ]

noun

1. any of a number of small, parallel beams of timber, steel, reinforced concrete, etc., for supporting floors, ceilings, or the like.

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with or fix on joists.

joist

/ dʒɔɪst /

noun

1. a beam made of timber, steel, or reinforced concrete, used in the construction of floors, roofs, etc See also rolled-steel joist

verb

1. tr to construct (a floor, roof, etc) with joists

Other Words From

• joistless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of joist¹

1325–75; Middle English giste < Old French < Latin *jacitum support, noun use of neuter of Latin jacitus (past participle of jacēre to lie), equivalent to jaci- variant stem + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of joist¹

C14: from Old French giste beam supporting a bridge, from Vulgar Latin jacitum (unattested) support, from jacēre to lie

Example Sentences

You’ll also want to protect your investment by using the newer joist tape products.

From Seattle Times

Problems arise when you install one floor joist that is flat next to another that has a half-inch tall crown.

From Seattle Times

A crown is a hump in a floor joist caused by a natural curve down the length of the board.

From Seattle Times

One big one is using roofing nails to attach joist hangers on decks or inside a home.

From Seattle Times

If you’re going to use nails on the joist hangers, be sure to use approved heavy-duty structural nails that have the proper coating to prevent corrosion.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• stud