bearing

Pluralbearings

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A part in a machine that lets another part turn or slide smoothly without rubbing.

   Like tiny rolling balls that let a wheel spin freely instead of dragging.

   The skateboard's wheels spin fast because each one has a smooth bearing.

   Engineers replaced the worn bearing to stop the loud grinding noise.

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable or uncountable

   How much one thing matters to or connects with another.

   Like one puzzle piece fitting with another: or not fitting at all.

   Her past mistakes have no bearing on the job she does today.

   What you wear has little bearing on how well you do the work.

   Similareffect, impact, influence, relevance

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountableplural

   A sense of where you are and which way you are facing.

   Like knowing which way is north when you stand somewhere new.

   After spinning around, she lost her bearings and stumbled into the wall.

   He took a moment to get his bearings in the dark, unfamiliar room.

   Similarorientation

   Note
4. 4
   nouncountable

   The direction to something, measured as an angle from north.

   Like saying 'the store is that way,' but using an exact angle instead.

   The captain checked the bearing to the lighthouse before turning the boat.

   Take a bearing on that mountain peak so we don't get lost.

   Similarheading, course, direction

   Note
5. 5
   nouncountable or uncountable

   The way a person stands, moves, and behaves.

   Like how someone holds their head high when they feel confident.

   Her calm bearing made everyone in the room feel at ease.

   He carried himself with the proud bearing of a soldier.

   Similardemeanor, carriage, posture, deportment, manner

   Note
6. 6
   adjective

   Holding up the weight of something else, like a wall or beam does.

   Like your legs holding up the rest of your body.

   That bearing wall holds up the whole upper floor, so don't knock it down.

   The old barn rests on thick bearing posts made of oak.

   Similarsupporting, structural

   Note
7. 7
   adjectivein compounds

   Producing or carrying whatever thing is named just before the word.

   Like calling a tree that grows apples an apple-bearing tree.

   The bearing branches of the old apple tree sagged under the weight of ripe fruit.

   They moved their savings into an interest-bearing account.

   Similaryielding

   Note
8. 8
   verb

   Present participle of bear. Use this form for something happening now or still going on.

   The shelf is bearing too much weight and might break.

   He is bearing the cost of all the repairs himself.

   Note
9. 9
   nouncountable or uncountable

   The part of a beam or other building piece that sits on its support.

   Like the flat end of a plank where it rests on a brick.

   The carpenter checked where the joist's bearing met the brick wall.

   A wider bearing spreads the load more evenly onto the wall below.

   Note
10. 10
    nouncountable

    The surface of a support where something else rests on top.

    Like the top of a fence post where a rail lies across it.

    The mason smoothed the bearing where the heavy beam would sit.

    Each column has a flat bearing to hold the arch above it.

    Similarseat, support

    Note
11. 11
    nouncountable

    A single picture or symbol shown on a coat of arms.

    Like one badge sewn onto a flag full of badges.

    A golden lion was the most striking bearing on the family's shield.

    Each bearing on the crest stood for a different ancestor.

    Similarcharge, emblem, device

    Note
12. 12
    nounnonstandardcountable

    The length of a beam that stretches across open space with no support underneath.

    Like the gap a plank crosses when it lies between two stools.

    The bearing of the old bridge was too long, so they added a center pillar.

    Engineers reduced the bearing by placing a column halfway across the room.

    Similarspan

    Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 12