truss
n. countablen. a strong frame made of beams or bars that supports a heavy weight, like a roof or a bridge. It uses triangles to keep the structure stiff and safe.
n. a framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, which forms a rigid structure. Often relies on a series of triangles to distribute weight and resist tension and compression.
The workers installed a steel truss to support the new roof.
Engineers inspected every wooden truss in the attic to ensure the historic building could handle the weight of the new tiles.
The bridge design utilizes a complex cantilever truss system to span the river without requiring central supports that would obstruct maritime traffic.
From Middle English trusse, from Old French trousse, torse, from Vulgar Latin *torsus, variant of Classical Latin tortus, past participle of torqueō. Doublet of torse and trousse.
From Middle English trussen, from Old French trousser.
Commonly used in architectural and engineering contexts; often paired with materials like 'steel' or 'timber'.