can|ti|lev|er

can|ti|lev|er «KAN tuh _LEHV uhr, -_LEE vuhr», noun, verb, adjective.

–n.

a large, projecting bracket or beam that is supported at one end only. A cantilever is usually designed to bear a weight or structure over a space where supports cannot be placed or are not desired, such as for supporting balconies, cornices, and the like. Some aircraft wings are cantilevers.

–v.t.

to build (something) with cantilevers or a cantilever: »

The room in which [he] works is cantilevered out over a sheer cliff (New Yorker).

–v.i.

to extend out, as a cantilever does: »

In this plan the beam cantilevers out too far for balance.

–adj.

formed on the principle of the cantilever or with the use of cantilevers: »

Of cantilever construction, four of the five rooms hang out in space with no visible means of support (Wall Street Journal).

Also, cantalever, cantaliver.

╂[origin uncertain, but probably < cant² + lever]