Battening (/ˈbætənɪŋ/) is a noun that refers to a strip of wood or metal used to strengthen or hold something in place. The spelling of the word is derived from the verb "batten" which means to provide with battens or to become stronger. The word is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable and the "a" in the first syllable is pronounced as in "bat". The "e" in the second syllable is silent, and the final "g" is pronounced as /ŋ/.
Battening refers to the act of securing or fastening something, typically boards or planks, to a structure or object. It involves attaching these materials firmly, usually for the purpose of reinforcement, protection, or creating a barrier against external elements.
This term is commonly used in construction and carpentry, where battens are often installed to support or strengthen various components of a building. Battening can also be seen in the context of shipbuilding, where it involves securing wooden planks or panels to the framework of a vessel.
Battening is done using various methods such as nailing, bolting, or screwing the boards or planks into place. The fastening technique depends on the specific application and the materials being used. In addition to securing components, battens can also provide an aesthetic finish, serving as a decorative feature in architectural designs.
Battening is often employed to reinforce a structure against external forces like wind, rain, or impact. By adding battens, the integrity and stability of the structure can be enhanced, ensuring it remains structurally sound.
Moreover, battening may serve as a means of insulation, preventing heat loss or acting as a sound barrier. In these cases, battens are used as a framework for attaching insulation materials, reducing energy consumption or sound transmission.
Overall, battening plays a crucial role in construction and carpentry, providing strength, durability, protection, and functionality to structures and objects.
Narrow flat rods of wood fixed to the wall on which the laths for the plaster-work are nailed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "battening" is derived from the Middle English word "batening", which comes from the Old Norse word "batna". "Batna" means "to improve" or "to make better". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved into "battening". The term is commonly used to refer to the act of strengthening or securing something, often using strips of wood called battens.