English Reference

Word

truss

US/ˈtɹəs/

UK/tɹˈʌs/

Definitions

01structural support

C1 · Architecture

n. a strong frame made of wood or metal beams, usually in the shape of triangles, used to support a roof or bridge.

n. a framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, forming a rigid structure to support a roof, bridge, or other span.

“The workers lifted the heavy steel truss into place to support the new roof.”

“The engineer specified a triangular truss design to ensure the bridge could withstand the weight of heavy freight trains.”

Technical

Usage

Usually refers to the individual triangular units or the entire supporting assembly.

02to tie up food

C1 · Cooking

v. to tie the legs and wings of a chicken or other bird tightly before cooking it.

v. to tie the wings and legs of a fowl before cooking to preserve its shape and ensure even roasting.

“You should truss the chicken with kitchen string so it cooks evenly in the oven.”

“The chef demonstrated how to truss the turkey effectively, ensuring the stuffing remained secure during the long roasting process.”

Technical

Synonyms

Antonyms

untie

03medical belt

C2 · Medicine

n. a special belt or bandage worn to hold a hernia in place.

n. a padded strap or belt used to support a hernia by applying pressure to the affected area.

“The doctor recommended wearing a truss until the patient could have surgery.”

“Before modern surgical techniques became standard, many patients relied on a leather truss to manage chronic abdominal hernias.”

Technical

Synonyms

04cluster of fruit/flowers

C2 · Science

n. a group of flowers or fruit growing together on one stem.

n. a compact cluster of flowers or fruit at the end of a stem, common in plants like tomatoes or rhododendrons.

“This tomato plant has a large truss of ripening fruit near the bottom.”

“The gardener pruned the excess leaves to ensure the sun could reach each truss of grapes on the vine.”

Technical

Synonyms

Real-World Examples

“It is nearly 60 metres long, 12 metres wide and 11 metres tall, with 13 massive oak trusses holding up the roof.”
The Guardian · 23 Aug 2026
“With more than 40 bridges destroyed, rescuers are relying on helicopters, while India and China are sending prefabricated truss bridges to help restore access.”
The Guardian · 31 Aug 2026

Etymology

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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domains

ArchitectureBotanyNautical

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference