stiffener

Thân thiện

A tailor adds a stiffener to the collar of a suit jacket.

Definition

Noun: 1. A material or device used to make something rigid or less flexible: A stiffener is an object or substance added to another structure or material to increase its stiffness, prevent bending, or provide support.

Usage

A "stiffener" is typically used in contexts involving construction, manufacturing, clothing, and engineering. It refers to the component that provides reinforcement. - The collar of the shirt has a plastic stiffener to help it keep its shape. - Engineers added steel stiffeners to the bridge's frame to handle heavier loads.

Advanced Usage

• Structural stiffener: In architecture and engineering, this often refers to a rib, brace, or gusset plate added to a beam, panel, or shell to resist buckling or deformation.
  • The aircraft's wing design incorporates several internal stiffeners.
• As a metaphorical source of resolve: While less common, "stiffener" can figuratively refer to something that strengthens resolve or morale.
  • (Figurative) The general's speech served as a stiffener for the troops' courage.

Variants and Related Words

• Stiffen (verb): To make or become stiff or rigid.
  • The fabric will stiffen when the starch dries.
• Stiffening (noun): The process or act of making something stiff; also refers to the material used for this purpose.
  • The stiffening of the legal penalties was widely debated.

Synonyms

• Reinforcer
• Brace
• Support
• Strengthener

Related Phrases

• Stiffener rib: A specific type of projecting ridge used as a stiffener.
  • The plastic part was molded with integral stiffener ribs.

Học thuật

Noun

1. material used for stiffening something