rafter — one of the sloping wooden beams that support a roof
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: one of the sloping wooden beams that support a roof
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈræftər/
Example Sentences
- The bats hung upside down from the dusty rafters like tiny Halloween decorations.
- During the renovation, we decided to leave the ceiling rafters exposed for a rustic look.
- The carpenter carefully measured each rafter to ensure the roof would be perfectly straight.
rafter
NOUN[/ˈræftər/]
one of the sloping wooden beams that support a roof
Wooden beams supporting the roof
Laughter echoes from the rafter, memories that will last long after
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Old English 'ræfter', which traces back to Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'to support' or 'to prop up'. The word originally referred to a beam or timber that supports a structure, particularly in roofing.
Breakdown
Old English 'ræfter' from Proto-Germanic '*raftjan' (to support/prop), related to the root meaning 'to construct' or 'to hold up'. The suffix '-er' denotes an agent noun, making it 'that which supports'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The bats hung upside down from the dusty rafters like tiny Halloween decorations.”
“During the renovation, we decided to leave the ceiling rafters exposed for a rustic look.”
“The carpenter carefully measured each rafter to ensure the roof would be perfectly straight.”
“My cat somehow managed to get stuck between the rafters and meowed pitifully until we rescued him.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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