What does a transom do?

Answer by  sureptitious (11)

There's a naval definition for "transom" and an architectural meaning. The architectural meaning is that of a horizontal beam separating the top of a door and a window above. In the naval sense, a transom is the surface of the stern of a ship.

Answer by  sswork11 (184)

There are two meanings of the word transom. On a boat the transom is the flat part at the rear, so it keeps the water out! Architecturally a transom is the area above a door, particularly if it's glass and can be opened.