# structural element

CEFR B2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/structural-element
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a part of a building or machine that helps it stay strong and hold weight. Common examples include beams, walls, and floors that keep the whole thing from falling down.

For teachers: a primary component of a physical system designed to resist loads and maintain the integrity of the overall assembly. In engineering, it refers to any part that contributes to the load-bearing capacity of a construction.

## Examples

- The steel beam is a vital structural element of the bridge.
- During the renovation, the architect warned that removing that specific wall would damage a key structural element of the house.
- Modern skyscrapers rely on a central concrete core as the primary structural element to counteract the lateral forces exerted by high-altitude winds.

## Usage notes

- Often used in technical or architectural contexts to distinguish load-bearing parts from decorative ones.

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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.