window-frame

A carpenter measures a wooden window-frame before installing it.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A structural frame: "window-frame" refers to the framework that surrounds and supports a window, typically made of wood, metal, or plastic, and holds the glass panes in place. It is the fixed part of a window that is attached to the wall of a building.

Usage Examples

• (The structural frame around the window was replaced.)
• (She applied paint to the framework that holds the window.)
• (The frame was constructed from a durable material for the window.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be framed within a window-frame": to be set or enclosed within the frame of a window.

  • The view of the mountains was perfectly framed within the window-frame. (The scenery was visible through the window, bounded by its frame.)

• "window-frame repair": the act of fixing or replacing parts of a window's structural frame.

  • The old house required extensive window-frame repair due to water damage. (The frames around the windows needed restoration.)

Variants and Related Words

• Window (n): an opening in a wall or roof fitted with glass to admit light or air.
  • She opened the window to let in fresh air. (The glass panel was moved aside.)
• Frame (n): a rigid structure that surrounds or supports something.
  • The picture frame was made of gold. (A border for a picture.)
• Window-sash (n): the movable part of a window that holds the glass and fits into the window-frame.
  • The window-sash was painted shut and wouldn't slide. (The sliding part inside the frame.)

Synonyms

• Casement (n): a window frame that opens on hinges (often used for a specific type of window).
  • He opened the casement to let in the breeze. (The hinged window frame.)
• Sash-frame (n): a frame that holds a window sash, specifically for sliding windows.
  • The sash-frame needed lubrication for smooth operation. (The frame for the sliding part.)

Related Idioms

• "out of the window-frame": not typically an idiom, but can be used literally to mean something has fallen or been removed from the window's frame.
  • The bird flew out of the window-frame and into the garden. (The bird exited through the open window.)
• "window-frame of opportunity": a rare, metaphorical use meaning a limited time or space for action (analogous to "window of opportunity").
  • We had only a small window-frame of opportunity to negotiate. (A brief period for action.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Frame in: to enclose or set within a frame (used with "window-frame" as a noun, but not a phrasal verb for the word itself).
  • The glass was framed in the window-frame securely. (The glass was set into the frame.)

Note: "window-frame" is a compound noun and does not commonly form phrasal verbs on its own.