supporting structure

Other forms: supporting structures

Definitions of supporting structure

1. noun

   a structure that serves to support something
   types:

   framework

   a structure supporting or containing something

   frame, skeletal frame, skeleton, underframe

   the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape

   support

   supporting structure that holds up or provides a foundation

   abutment

   a masonry support that touches and directly receives thrust or pressure of an arch or bridge

   airframe

   the framework and covering of an airplane or rocket (excluding the engines)

   arbor, arbour, bower, pergola

   a framework that supports climbing plants

   architrave

   the lowest part of an entablature; rests immediately on the capitals of the columns

   basement

   the ground floor facade or interior in Renaissance architecture

   bustle

   a framework worn at the back below the waist for giving fullness to a woman's skirt

   buttress, buttressing

   a support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building

   case, casing

   the enclosing frame around a door or window opening

   chassis

   the skeleton of a motor vehicle consisting of a steel frame supported on springs that holds the body and motor

   climbing frame

   a framework of bars or logs for children to climb on

   clotheshorse

   a framework on which to hang clothes (as for drying)

   coaming

   a raised framework around a hatchway on a ship to keep water out

   cornice, pelmet, valance, valance board

   a decorative framework to conceal curtain fixtures at the top of a window casing

   deckle

   (paper making) a frame used to form paper pulp into sheets

   derrick

   a framework erected over an oil well to allow drill tubes to be raised and lowered

   doorcase, doorframe

   the frame that supports a door

   buffer, cowcatcher, fender, pilot

   an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track

   base, foot, foundation, fundament, groundwork, substructure, understructure

   lowest support of a structure

   frame, framing

   a framework that supports and protects a picture or a mirror

   frame

   the framework for a pair of eyeglasses

   gantry, gauntry

   a framework of steel bars raised on side supports to bridge over or around something; can display railway signals above several tracks or can support a traveling crane etc.

   grate, grating

   a frame of iron bars to hold a fire

   grill, grille, grillwork

   a framework of metal bars used as a partition or a grate

   gun carriage

   a framework on which a gun is mounted for firing

   handbarrow

   a rectangular frame with handles at both ends; carried by two people

   hayrack, hayrig

   a frame attached to a wagon to increase the amount of hay it can carry

   honeycomb

   a framework of hexagonal cells resembling the honeycomb built by bees

   hoop

   a light curved skeleton to spread out a skirt

   fretwork, lattice, latticework

   framework consisting of an ornamental design made of strips of wood or metal

   mounting

   framework used for support or display

   oxbow

   a wooden framework bent in the shape of a U; its upper ends are attached to the horizontal yoke and the loop goes around the neck of an ox

   footstall, pedestal, plinth

   an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue)

   picture frame

   a framework in which a picture is mounted

   prop

   a support placed beneath or against something to keep it from shaking or falling

   rack

   framework for holding objects

   ribbing

   a framework of ribs

   sash, window sash

   a framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame

   buck, horse, sawbuck, sawhorse

   a framework for holding wood that is being sawed

   stocks

   a frame for constraining an animal while it is receiving veterinary attention or while being shod

   stocks

   a frame that supports a boat while it is under construction

   stretcher

   a wooden framework on which canvas is stretched and fixed for oil painting

   embroidery frame, embroidery hoop, tambour

   a frame made of two hoops; used for embroidering

   tenter

   a framework with hooks used for stretching and drying cloth

   truss

   a framework of beams (rafters, posts, struts) forming a rigid structure that supports a roof or bridge or other structure

   undercarriage

   framework that serves as a support for the body of a vehicle

   baby-walker, go-cart, walker

   an enclosing framework on casters or wheels; helps babies learn to walk

   Zimmer, Zimmer frame, walker

   a light enclosing framework (trade name Zimmer) with rubber castors or wheels and handles; helps invalids or the handicapped or the aged to walk

   wattle

   framework consisting of stakes interwoven with branches to form a fence

   window

   a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

   window frame

   the framework that supports a window

   armature

   a framework on which a sculptor molds a sculpture made of clay or a similar material

   type of:

   construction, structure

   a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts