Toit

Toit is a French noun meaning roof, the upper enclosing structure of a building that provides shelter from weather. It denotes the external covering and the functional system that sheds water, supports insulation, and protects interior spaces. The word is used for both single buildings and larger constructions, and it can refer to the roof itself or to the roofing system as a concept.

Etymology and form: The term comes from Old French toit, derived from Latin tectum, meaning a covering or shelter. It is masculine in gender, with the plural form toits.

Pronunciation and usage: In standard French, toit is pronounced roughly as "twah." A typical sentence is Le toit de la maison est en tuiles. For related terminology, toiture refers to roofing in general or the act and material of roofing. Phrases such as toit-terrasse describe a flat or terrace roof, while toit ouvrant is used in automotive contexts to mean a sunroof or panoramic roof.

Contexts and nuances: Toit appears in architectural, construction, and real estate discussions, as well as in everyday language when referring to the condition, style, or materials of a roof. The term can be found in compound forms and is part of common expressions related to home improvement and building design.

See also: Roof, roofing, toiture, roof types, architectural terminology.