truss
noun · verb
Simple meaning
A framework of beams forming a rigid structure that supports a roof or bridge or other structure.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
truhsIPA pronunciation (US)
ˈtɹʌs
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
architecture
A framework of beams (rafters, posts, struts) forming a rigid structure that supports a roof or bridge or other structure
A bandage and belt used to hold a hernia in place.
botany
A tuft of flowers or cluster of fruits formed at the top of the main stem of certain plants.
architecture
A structure made up of one or more triangular units made from straight beams of wood or metal, which is used to support a structure as in a roof or bridge.
An old English farming measurement. One truss of straw equalled 36 pounds, a truss of old hay equalled 56 pounds, a truss of new hay equalled 60 pounds, and 36 trusses equalled one load.
verb
Tie the wings and legs of a bird before cooking it
Secure with or as if with ropes
transitive
To support.
To take fast hold of; to seize and hold firmly; to pounce upon.
To strengthen or stiffen, as a beam or girder, by means of a brace or braces.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- C1 · Advanced (estimated)
- Frequency
- Uncommon
- Formality
- Technical
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: A framework of beams (rafters, posts, struts) forming a rigid structure that supports a roof or bridge or other structure
Used this way, truss is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Matter-of-fact
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
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Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
Word Family
Related forms, grouped by how they connect.
Compound terms
Established multiword terms.
A bridge supported by trusses.
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.