# truss

/ˈtɹəs/ (US) · /tɹˈʌs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/truss
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. structural support

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

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

### 2. to tie up food

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. medical belt

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. cluster of fruit/flowers

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.