Window
One might be looking for window (computing) or X Window System.
Double-hung vinyl replacement window with a decorative grille sandwiched between the panes of the insulated glass
| Table of contents |
|
2 See also 3 Astronomical window 4 World War II |
A window is an opening in the wall of a building that allows light to enter a room and people to see out. At previous times in history they were merely small oval or square holes in the walls.
Very early windows were shielded with hide or cloth stretched over the opening or wooden shutters. Later on two different types of windows were invented: mullioned glass windows, which multiple very small pieces of glass joined together with leading, and paper windows. Mullioned glass windows were the windows of choice among European riches, whereas paper windows were so economical and widely used in ancient China and Japan. In England glass only became common in the windows of ordinary homes in the early 17th century. Modern-style floor-to-ceiling windows only became possible after the industrial glass-making process was perfected.
Modern windows are customarily large glassed-in rectangles or squares. Churches traditionally have stained glass windows.
Today a window can be made in any shape and size desired.
Modern windows come in many styles. These include:
A new construction window is a window with a nailing fin designed to be inserted into a rough opening from the outside before applying siding and inside trim.
Modern windows have insulated glazing, called insulated glass when made from glass, which is usually double paned but may be triple paned.
Modern windows are made from large sheets of glass while windows in the past were made from multiple panes held together by a grille within the sash also called muntin bars or mullions. Today decorative muntin bars are attached on the surface of the glazing or sandwiched between the panes of the insulated glazing. Most companies use the term grille for the set of decorative muntin bars within a sash.
The frames and sashes were traditionally made of wood but metal, vinyl and composites are also common. Solid metal frames and sashes are inefficient because metal conducts heat. Modern metal window parts consist of two halves separated by insulating spacer.
The terms "single-light" or "double-light" (or "'more'-light") refer to the number of glass panes in a window.
The word Window dates back to Old Norse "Wind Eye"; opening to the air.
The beam or arch over the top of a window is known as the lintel or transom.
In astronomy, an atmosphere can have a window for portions of the electromagnetic spectrum; that is, those wavelengths which pass through the atmosphere are said to "pass through a window."
Window was the WWII UK codename for a system intended to confuse German radar. It consisted of huge volumes of aluminium foil strips cut to a length corresponding to the radar wavelength which were dropped from aircraft so producing huge numbers of spurious echoes. A modern corresponding technique is "chaff". Other radar confusing techniques included Mandrel, Piperack and Jostle.
Opening in wall
Windows styles
A replacement window is a framed window designed to slip inside the orginal window frame from the inside after the old sashes are removed.Meaning of "window"
See also
Astronomical window
World War II