truss

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

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

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.

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