# firms

/ˈfɝmz/ (US) · /fˈɜːmz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/firms
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 3. roof rafters

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

the main wooden beams that support a roof.

For teachers: the principal rafters of a roof structure, specifically a pair of rafters acting as a structural unit.

- The old barn still has its original oak firms supporting the heavy roof.
- The restoration architect noted that the primary firms had suffered significant rot, necessitating a complete replacement of the medieval roof timbering.

## Examples

- She works for one of the top law firms in the city.
- Many small accounting firms are merging to better compete with larger international corporations.
- The government is offering tax incentives to local firms that invest in sustainable energy solutions and reduce their carbon footprint over the next decade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.