Word of the Day
16 February 2026
bent
nounCarpentry
A transverse frame of a framed structure; a subunit of framing.
Why this one
In timber framing the bent is the unit of assembly as well as structure: each transverse frame is pegged together flat, then raised into place, and the bays are the spaces between them. Bridge builders use the same word for a transverse pier frame.
In use
We pegged the second bent together on the deck yesterday, so we can raise it first thing while the crane is still here.
Written by our editors to show how the term is used, not a recorded quotation.