X-ray timber span? (9)

I believe the answer is:

crossbeam

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'timber span?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'x-ray' is the wordplay.
'x' becomes 'cross' (I've seen this before).
'ray' becomes 'beam' (synonyms).
'cross'+'beam'='CROSSBEAM'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for crossbeam that I've seen is " Support".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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