ˈgərdər; ˈgə̄də(r, ˈgəidə(r noun
( -s )
Etymology: gird (I) + -er
1.
a. : a horizontal main member supporting vertical concentrated loads (as from beams)
b. : beam ; especially : an iron or steel beam either made in a single piece or built up typically of plates, flitches, latticework, or bars and often of very large proportions — compare bowstring beam , box girder , lattice girder , plate girder , truss
c. : a structure built of reinforced concrete for a similar purpose
2. : a rolled metal unit of I section or other section or a built-up unit of rolled members and plate that may be transverse or longitudinal depending on the structure to be supported