support structure
What holds things
A support structure is a framework that bears weight or holds something in position.
In construction and engineering, support structures include beams, columns, and scaffolding that maintain stability: The bridge's support structure spans the river.
Figuratively, a support structure is any system—friends, family, institutions—that provides stability or assistance: She built a support structure of therapists and mentors after the divorce.
- scaffoldTemporary elevated work structure
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- steel beamStructural metal member
- beamStructural support member
- pillarUpright architectural support
brace · foundation · truss · buttress · girder · skeleton · backbone · arch · flying buttress · column · strut · joist · reinforcement · cantilever · load-bearing · load bearing wall · rigging · underpin
- 3D printing3D printer, 3D printers, filament, ABS, slicer
- resilienceresilience, grit, bounce back, bouncing back, robustness
- thrill ridesroller coaster, steel coaster, wooden coaster, drop tower, flying coaster
- vital partsheart, brain, engine, motor, core
- radio telescopesradio telescope, dish, parabolic reflector, dish antenna, antenna array
support structuredecorative trim
Non-functional aesthetic border
facade · veneer · ornamentation · cladding · embellishment
support structureweak point
Exploitable flaw or vulnerability
structural weakness · vulnerability · fault line · stress point · stress fracture
support structureobstacle
Something blocking the way
impediment · barrier · hindrance · bottleneck · roadblock
support, structure, supports, supported, supporting, supportive, supporter, supporters, unsupported