Yesterday we gave you an analogy that vocabulary-building was like constructing an office building, with a need for separate functions and outside connections and a solid foundation in the fundamentals of etymology (the history of words). One thing we didn’t mention yesterday is that it’s important to know the vocabulary of your field or profession – or the field or profession you want to join or advance in. Continuing in the theme of “building” today, here’s a list of words that will be useful to you if you’re interested in pursuing a career in architecture or construction, or if you just want to add some polish to your conversation in general. To see an image of what the word describes, click on the link.

balustrade: A row of short pillars with a railing along the top, used as a barricade across the edge of a balcony, ledge, or staircase.

cantilever: A horizontal projection that is supported at one end but not the other. This word can be either a noun or a verb.

escutcheon: A decorative flat plate or shield, often with a coat of arms, attached to a wall.

bollard: A short thick post that prevents vehicles from driving into a specific location.

girder: A long beam of metal or wood that is used as a horizontal support (for a roof or a floor, for example).

lintel: A horizontal flat or arched beam or block placed on top of two vertical columns such as door posts, which may be either load-bearing or decorative.

pilaster: A column that is not freestanding but rather embedded into a wall. While most often decorative, they can also support some of the structure.

batten: A thin strip of wood or metal used to hold objects together. The nautical phrase “batten down the hatches” means to secure the edges of a tarpaulin covering in this manner. Because this is something sailors would do before a storm, the expression is often used idiomatically to mean “look out for bad times ahead.” This word can be either a noun or a verb.