Definition of transom
1 : a window above a door or other window built on and commonly hinged to a transom
2 : a transverse piece in a structure : crosspiece: such asa : lintelb : a horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window or fanlight above itc : the horizontal bar or member of a cross or gallowsd : any of several transverse timbers or beams secured to the sternpost of a boat; also : the planking forming the stern of a square-ended boat
over the transom
: without solicitation or prior arrangement the manuscript arrived over the transom
From the M-W Editors
Illustration of transom
Origin and Etymology of transom
Middle English transyn, traunsom, probably alteration of traversayn, from Middle French travessain, from Old French traversain set crosswise, from Vulgar Latin *traversanus, from Latin transversus transverse
First Known Use: 14th century
TRANSOM Defined for English Language Learners
transom
playDefinition of transom for English Language Learners
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: a small window that is above a door or larger window
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: a stone or wooden bar that goes across the top of a door or window
TRANSOM Defined for Kids
transom
playDefinition of transom for Students
1 : a piece that lies crosswise in a structure (as in the frame of a window or of a door that has a window above it)
2 : a window above a door or another window
Learn More about transom
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See words that rhyme with transom Spanish Central: Translation of transom Nglish: Translation of transom for Spanish speakers
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