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sill - What does it mean?

Definition of 'sill'

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) sille, selle, .

Noun

(en-noun)
  • (architecture) (also window sill ) A horizontal slat which forms the base of a window.
  • She looked out the window resting her elbows on the window sill .
  • (construction) A horizontal, structural member of a building near ground level on a foundation or pilings or lying on the ground in earth-fast construction and bearing the upright portion of a frame. Also spelled cill. Also called a ground plate, groundsill, sole, sole-plate, mudsill. An interrupted sill fits between posts instead of being below and supporting the posts in timber framing.
  • (geology) A horizontal layer of igneous rock between older rock beds.
  • * 1980 , U.S. Government Printing Office, Geological Survey Professional Paper, Volume 1119
  • Minor palingenetic magmas probably were generated at this time and intruded the mantling rocks in the form of small sills and apophyses;
  • A piece of timber across the bottom of a canal lock for the gates to shut against.
  • (anatomy) A raised area at the base of the nasal aperture in the skull.
  • the nasal sill
    Usage notes
    Usually spelled cill when used in the context of canal or river engineering.
    Derived terms
    * mudsill * groundsill * window sill
    Quotations
    * (seeCites)

    Etymology 2

    Compare sile.

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • (UK) A young herring.
  • Etymology 3

    Compare thill.

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • The shaft or thill of a carriage.
  • Anagrams

    * ----