1. A prismatic section with one dimension significantly larger than the others, that is subjected to bending loads. For example: an athwartship member supporting a portion of a deck.
- Cross-tie beam – A large transverse member connecting a longitudinal bulkhead to the side shell structure within a cargo hold or tank, thereby increasing the transverse stiffness of the hull structure and providing additional support to the attached members.
2. The width of a ship, also called breadth.