scaffolding

Noun

scaffolding (usually uncountable, plural scaffoldings)

1. (usually) A temporary modular system of tubes, bamboo or wood forming a framework used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures.
   • […] transparent scaffoldings partially draped with often hallucinatory nets of lines, gouges, hatching and cross-hatching that somehow also depict varying degrees of flesh, features and expression.2007 December 21, The New York Times, “Museum and Gallery Listings”, in New York Times
   • On the day of RAIL 's site visit, in heavy weather, the scaffolding and decking that engineers stand on were submerged deep under choppy water, with work suspended. "We have to work around the tides," explained Project Director Alan Venables. "The wind pushes the tide up and the waves get larger....2023 March 22, Paul Clifton, “Network News: Island Line to reopen to Ryde Pier in June... possibly”, in RAIL, number 979, page 24
2. (usually) Source code etc. that is incomplete and serves as a basis for further development.
3. (figuratively, usually) Any framework or support.
   • We refer to the process by which socialization agents support emotional activity within the child as emotional scaffolding.2013, Michael F. Mascolo, Sharon Griffin, What Develops in Emotional Development?, page 205