What is a framework? The meaning and origin of the word

What is a framework? Variants of application of this word set: from engineering, design to the description of ladies' hats. Where did this concept come from, as our dictionaries explain it - let's try to find out right now.

Framework for the linguist

The origin of the word "frame" has a generally accepted version and interesting. Let's start with the recognized version. The term itself came to native speech from the French language. In sunny France carcasse means "skeleton, base, skeleton." The meaning of the word is analogous to the concept of "frame, carrying the element of the structure, the basic detail of the design." It can be used in literary and colloquial language and as a technical term in engineering and design.

For the designer

What is the framework for the designer? In the imagination of people with a technical mindset, a spatial figure appears, consisting of a supporting element and attached support nodes. As the latter, beams, rods, rods, supports, and so on can be used. The base of the carrier is made of a solid material - after all, such a basis has to withstand the weight of not only the structure skeleton, but also additional materials that give it volume. In most cases, the carrier is hidden and further strengthened. For example, the wooden frame of the bed is hidden by a mattress, and the metal frame of the statue is plaster or marble. But in the drawings the frame is always depicted "without skin", so you can consider its design.

For a biologist

Of course, the first thing in the mind are pages from school textbooks of biology. Many living creatures on earth have a solid element at their heart. Giving the body comparative stability. This part of a living organism is called a skeleton. In fact, it performs the same function as the framework for the design: it supports (in the literal sense of the word) all the elements of a living organism.

Another version of the origin of the word

An alternative hypothesis of the origin of this word was not considered by serious scientists. None of the linguists confirmed it, but did not refute it either. And this means that the alternative version is eligible for review. So, what is the framework for those who are not satisfied with the generally accepted versions?

In the southern latitudes of the European continent a tree grows, which is also called the frame. This tree belongs to the ilm family. It has very strong and dense wood, which practically does not lend itself to destruction and, in some cases, can successfully replace steel.

Perhaps, it was from the skeleton that our predecessors-craftsmen made the first bearing elements for their simple structures. The axle on the wheel of the cart, the drawbar, the paddle, the lever or the shaft of the ancient halberd made of this wood were stronger than those made of other types of wood. Details from the frame are always made for the nodes bearing the greatest load. And then the elements themselves became known as the "frame". After all, they were made of hard wood of southern strong wood.

Now you have learned what a frame is, and got acquainted with the versions of the origin of this word.