Glossary of Home/Building Structural Components

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The following terms define Building and Machine Parts

- P -

panel: flat piece of wood fitted into larger surface area.

part: component, one element of which something is made.

partition: interior wall.

peg: short, usually tapered rod used to hold parts together or fill opening.

pier: vertical masonry column, usually concrete, that supports beam or load from above

pilaster: rectangular support or pier projecting from wall.

pile: concrete, steel, or wood column that supports building foundation.

piloti column of iron, steel, or reinforced concrete that supports structure above open ground level.

pin: peg, post, or rod used to fasten objects.

pinion: small cogwheel, with teeth, that fits into large gearwheel or rack.

pintle: usually upright pivot pin on which another part turns.

pipe: metal or plastic tubing used in plumbing and heating works.

plancier: underside of eave or cornice; soffit.

plank: long, flat, wood member 2-4 inches (5.1-10.2 cm) thick and 6 inches (15.2 cm) or more wide.

plate: horizontal structural member, usually wood.

platen: flat plate in printing press, or roller in typewriter, on which paper rides.

platform: horizontal floor area, especially midway up stairs.

plenum: box on furnace from which ducts run to outlets.

pole: shaft, narrow column.

post: vertical structural member, especially timber set on end to support beam.

projection: part that juts out from surface.

purlin: horizontal root support between rafters.

pylon slender, towering structure flanking entrance or supporting wires.