What is a wireframe? There are many options for using this word: from technology, design to descriptions of women's hats. Where this concept came from, as our dictionaries explain it, let's try to find out right now.
Frame for linguist
The origin of the word "frame" has a generally accepted version and interesting. Let's start with the recognized version. The term itself came into native speech from the French language. In sunny France, carcasse means "skeleton, base, frame." The meaning of the word is similar to the concept of "skeleton, the bearing element of the structure, the main structural detail." It can be used in the literary and colloquial language and as a technical term in engineering and design.
For the designer
What is the frame for the designer? In the imagination of people with a technical mentality, a spatial figure arises consisting of a bearing element and supporting nodes fastened together. As the latter, beams, rods, rods, supports and so on can be used. The base of the carrier is made of solid material - because such a basis has to withstand the weight of not only the skeleton of the structure, but also additional materials that give it volume. In most cases, the supporting product is hidden and further strengthened. For example, the wooden frame of the bed is hidden by a mattress, and the metal frame of the statue is hidden by plaster or marble. But in the drawings, the frame is always depicted "without skin", so that you can consider its design.
For biologist
Of course, the first thing in my mind is the pages from school biology textbooks. Many living things on earth have a solid element in their structure. giving the body comparative stability. This component of a living organism is called the skeleton. In fact, it performs the same function as the frame for the construction: it supports (in the literal sense of the word) all elements of a living organism.
Another version of the origin of the word
An alternative hypothesis of the origin of this word has not been considered by serious scientists. None of the linguists confirmed it, but did not refute it either. And this means that the alternative version has the right to be considered. So, what is the framework for those who are not satisfied with generally accepted versions?
In the southern latitudes of the European continent, a tree grows, which is also called a frame. This tree belongs to the elm family. It has very strong and dense wood, which is practically indestructible and in some cases can successfully replace steel.
Perhaps it was from the frame that our skilled predecessors made the first load-bearing elements for their simple structures. The axle on the cart wheel, drawbar, oar, lever or shaft of an ancient halberd made of this wood were stronger than those made of other varieties of wood. Parts from the frame have always been made for units that carry the highest load. And then the very elements began to be called the "frame". After all, they were made of solid wood of the southern strong tree.
Now you have learned what a wireframe is, and you have become acquainted with versions of the origin of this word.