Poutres (en. Beams)
/putʁ/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
noun
Structural element, generally horizontal, that supports a load.
The beams of the wooden house are magnificent.
Les poutres de la maison en bois sont magnifiques.
Bar or tree trunk serving as support.
He installed oak beams in his workshop.
Il a installé des poutres en chêne dans son atelier.
Load-bearing beam in a building.
The beams of the frame must be inspected regularly.
Les poutres de la charpente doivent être inspectées régulièrement.
Etymology
From Latin 'pŭtra', meaning 'board, piece of wood'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
to have beams in the ceiling
Having notable flaws or disadvantages.
avoir des poutres dans le plafond
beams and pillars
Fundamental elements of support or construction.
poutres et piliers
Related Words
frame
The wooden structure that supports the roof or walls of a building.
charpente
support
Element that supports or maintains a structure.
support
structure
Arrangement of constructed elements to support or delimit a space.
structure
Slang Meanings
Funny or comical, referring to something heavy or massive.
His attitude was so heavy that it was impossible not to laugh.
Son attitude était si poutres qu'on ne pouvait s'empêcher de rire.
Said of a situation that is difficult to manage.
The meeting was such a mess, everyone agreed on nothing.
La réunion était poutres, tout le monde était d'accord sur rien.