First Known Use: 1667
Dictionary
1cantilever
noun can·ti·le·ver \ˈkan-tə-ˌlē-vər, -ˌle-\
: a long piece of wood, metal, etc., that sticks out from a wall or other structure to support something above it (such as a balcony or bridge)
Full Definition of CANTILEVER
: a projecting beam or member supported at only one end: as a : a bracket-shaped member supporting a balcony or a cornice b : either of the two beams or trusses that project from piers toward each other and that when joined directly or by a suspended connecting member form a span of a cantilever bridge
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Origin of CANTILEVER
perhaps from 3cant + -i- + lever
Other Civil Engineering Terms
Rhymes with CANTILEVER
2cantilever
verb
: to support (something) with a cantilever
of a structure : to extend out over an area
Full Definition of CANTILEVER
transitive verb
1
: to support by a cantilever <a cantilevered shelf>
2
: to build as a cantilever
intransitive verb
: to project as a cantilever
See cantilever defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CANTILEVER
1902
Other Civil Engineering Terms
Rhymes with CANTILEVER
CANTILEVER Defined for Kids
cantilever
noun can·ti·le·ver \ˈkan-tə-ˌlē-vər, -ˌle-\
Definition of CANTILEVER for Kids
1
: a beam or similar support fastened (as by being built into a wall) only at one end <The balcony is supported by wooden cantilevers.>
2
: either of two structures that stick out from piers toward each other and when joined form a span in a bridge (cantilever bridge)
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