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Added 10 October 2026

truss

/tɹʌs/ noun

Latin root: tortus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about truss at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

(medicine) a bandage consisting of a pad and belt; worn to hold a hernia in place by pressure.
A framework of beams (rafters, posts, struts) forming a rigid structure that supports a roof or bridge or other structure.
(architecture) a triangular bracket of brick or stone (usually of slight extent).

verb

Tie the wings and legs of a bird before cooking it.
Secure with or as if with ropes.
tie down the prisoners
Support structurally.
truss the roofs

Origin

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 Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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