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Webster 1828 Edition

Purlin

PUR'LIN

,
Noun.
In architecture, a piece of timber extending from end to end of a building or roof, across and under the rafters, to support them in the middle.

Definition 2025

purlin

purlin

English

Alternative forms

Noun

purlin ‎(plural purlins)

  1. A longitudinal structural member bridging two or more rafters of a roof.

Derived terms

Hyponyms

  • (longitudinal structural member of a roof): purlin plate, principal purlin, common purlin

Translations

Etymology

Information on the origin of the term is scant at best. According to Websters it comes from the 15th century English. According to the Oxford Concise Dictionary, it is "Middle English, perhaps of French origin". All other sources referenced Middle English or 15th Century English.

Pronunciation

  • (US) IPA(key): [ˈpɜːrlɪn]

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