subframe

noun

sub·​frame ˈsəb-ˌfrām 

variants or sub-frame

plural subframes or sub-frames

: a secondary frame

especially : one that is used for the attachment and support of a finish frame (as of a door or window) or of finish panels (as of a wall)

Strictly speaking, the vertical members of a curtain wall's subframe are called mullions, while horizontal members are called transoms.

—Jason Alread et al.

The rolled steel sections, generally 1/8" thick and 1 - 1 1/2" wide, were used for all the components of the windows: sash, frame, and subframe …

—The Preservation of Historic Architecture: The U.S. Government's Official Guidelines for Preserving Historic Homes

Examples of subframe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mounted directly to the vehicle subframe in an east-west orientation, the system’s packaging is intended to preserve space for other front-end components. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025

Now, though, many new Ruf models are designed from the ground up, like the CTR anniversary and SCR, which feature carbon fiber monocoques, inboard suspension, and lightweight alloy subframes. —Christian Gilbertsen, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2025

And it's moved to large single-piece castings for the front and rear subframe to allow this approach. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025

Engine updates and quicker engine and transmission removal for track or between race service meant other changes to the rear subframe were also done. —New Atlas, 14 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subframe

• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame
• disclaim
• doorframe
• exclaim
• inflame
• mainframe