Bearing

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈbɛə̯ɹɪŋ/
• US enPR: bâr'Ä­ng IPA: /ˈbɛɹɪŋ/
• Rhymes: -ɛəɹɪŋ

Full definition of bearing

Adjective

1. Of a beam, column, or other device, carrying weight or load.That's a bearing wall.

Derived terms

• -bearing

Noun

1. A mechanical device that supports another part and/or reduces friction.
2. (navigation, nautical) The horizontal angle between the direction of an object and another object, or between it and that of true north; a heading or direction.
3. Relevance; a relationship or connection.That has no bearing on this issue.
• Alexander PopeBut of this frame, the bearings and the ties,
  The strong connections, nice dependencies.
4. One's posture, demeanor, or manner.She walks with a confident, self-assured bearing.
• ShakespeareI know him by his bearing.
5. (in the plural) Direction or relative position.
6. (architecture) That part of any member of a building which rests upon its supports.A lintel or beam may have four inches of bearing upon the wall.
7. (architecture) The portion of a support on which anything rests.
8. (architecture, proscribed) The unsupported span.The beam has twenty feet of bearing between its supports.
9. (heraldry) Any single emblem or charge in an escutcheon or coat of arms.
• ThackerayA carriage covered with armorial bearings.

Derived terms

Verb

1. Present participle of bear

Anagrams

• bangier
• barge in