What is typically used to describe a horizontal supporting member in construction terminology?

In construction terminology, a horizontal supporting member is typically referred to as a beam. Beams are structural elements that primarily support loads horizontally and transfer those loads to vertical members such as columns or walls. They can be made from various materials including wood, steel, or reinforced concrete, and their design is crucial for the structural integrity of a building.

While other terms like column, truss, and transom are important in construction, they refer to different structural components. Columns are vertical members that support beams and carry loads from above down to the foundation. Trusses are framework structures typically used to support roofs or bridges, composed of triangular units that distribute weight. A transom is a horizontal structural element, though it commonly refers to the beam above doors and windows rather than a general horizontal support in construction. Therefore, beams are the most precise term for describing the horizontal supporting member in this context.