load-bearing

Definitions

1. 1

   Able to support a load.

   • 1908, Frederick E. Turneaure, Editor-in-Chief, Cyclopedia of Civil Engineering The different forms of partitions that are not load-bearing will be considered under "Fireproofing."
   • The reactor units each called for a circular pit over 300ft. in diameter, excavated to a depth of 20ft. to reach a suitable load-bearing stratum.
   • Alternating sandstone and limestone (the limestone being used in façades exposed to the winter rains or in more load-bearing areas) created a most pleasing decorative effect.
2. 2

   Of a physical, digital, procedural etc. component, necessary to the integrity of the…

   Of a physical, digital, procedural etc. component, necessary to the integrity of the system of which it forms a part.

   • The number keeps going up, which has a buoying effect on markets that is, in the short term, good. But every good earnings report further entrenches Nvidia as a precariously placed, load-bearing piece of the global economy.
3. 3

   The carrying of loads.

   • The porters, who stand in knots with cords upon their shoulders, bear huge loads; a characteristic of the place is this load-bearing and the size of the burdens.
   • A common degenerative joint disease that involves synovial joints only with recurrent or abnormal load-bearing on normal cartilage or normal load-bearing on weakened cartilage, or both.

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