(n.) A piece of timber laid horizontally, or nearly so, to which the planks of the floor, or the laths or furring strips of a ceiling, are nailed; -- called, according to its position or use, binding joist, bridging joist, ceiling joist, trimming joist, etc. See Illust. of Double-framed floor, under Double, a.
(v. t.) To fit or furnish with joists.
Example Sentences:
(1) This may be because the joists below are defective – it’s worth seeking professional advice in this instance.
(2) They are constructed using rows of thick wooden beams, called joists, topped by floorboards running at a right angle to the joists.
(3) The lines of nails on the boards indicate the position of the joists underneath.
(4) They unloaded bags, tools and two wheelie bins, which they carried (or wheeled) in through the fire escape, and large metal joists.