[
joist] 
| 1. | any of a number of small, parallel beams of timber, steel, reinforced concrete, etc., for supporting floors, ceilings, or the like. |
| 2. | to furnish with or fix on joists. |
| joist (joist) n. Any of the wood, steel, or concrete beams set parallel from wall to wall or across or abutting girders to support a floor or ceiling. tr.v. joist·ed, joist·ing, joists To construct with joists. [Middle English giste, joiste, from Old French giste, from feminine past participle of gesir, to lie, lie down, from Latin iacēre; see yē- in Indo-European roots.] |
joist
ceiling or floor support in building construction. Joists-of timber, steel, or reinforced concrete-are laid in a parallel series across or abutting girders or a bearing wall, to which they are attached, usually by metal supports called joist hangers, or anchors
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