Dictionary

wythe en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /wɪð/ reportedly also
• /waɪθ/
• /wɪθ/ reportedly also

Etymology

Uncertain. * Perhaps an alteration of width. * Perhaps related to withe (“flexible twig; band of twigs”), from Old English wiþþe (“tie, band”). The chimney-partition sense may derive from the fact that a single wythe or thickness of brick has often been used for such partitions.

Meanings

1. A continuous vertical section of masonry, one unit in thickness.
   • That wall has to be at least three wythes of brick to support your load.
2. A partition between flues in a chimney.
   • […] Where there is more than one flue, there is usually a single wythe of masonry separating the flues. Particularly on older chimneys with poor or missing caps, this wythe of brick dividing the flues may be[…] 2003, Carson Dunlop, Principles of Home Inspection: Chimneys & wood heating, Dearborn Real Estate, →ISBN, page 30:
   • A chimney runs from the base of the first flue liner to the top of the last flue liner, or to any rain cap above it. Attach single-wythe chimneys to the house. 1986, Jack Payne Jones, Handbook of Construction Contracting: Plans, specs, building, Craftsman Book Company, →ISBN, page 373:

Forms