A girder is a long, thick piece of steel or iron that is used in the framework of buildings and bridges.
girder in British English
(ˈɡɜːdə)
noun
1.
a large beam, esp one made of steel, used in the construction of bridges, buildings, etc
2. botany
the structure composed of tissue providing mechanical support for a stem or leaf
girder in American English
(ˈgɜrdər)
noun
a large beam, usually horizontal, of timber or steel, for supporting the joists of a floor, the framework of a building, the superstructure of a bridge, etc.
Word origin
gird1 + -er
Examples of 'girder' in a sentence
girder
The fine columns and the great pediment collapsed and some of the girders followed it.
Len Deighton Bomber
It plays out on and around a set of rusty metal girders and a fallen cross.