Engineering English
Truss
Engineering Fundamentals · Civil Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A truss is a structural framework composed of straight members connected at joints, typically arranged in triangles, designed to resist axial forces efficiently.
Example in context
“The roof of the stadium is supported by a large steel truss that spans the entire width.”
“Stadyumun çatısı, tüm genişliği kaplayan büyük bir çelik kafes kiriş ile desteklenmektedir.”
Where engineers use it
Trusses are commonly used in bridges, roofs, and towers to carry loads over long spans. Engineers calculate member forces using method of joints or sections. Understanding truss behavior is vital for structural analysis and design.
Synonyms: frame, lattice structure
In Civil Engineering
A structural framework of straight members connected at joints to form triangles, carrying loads mainly through axial tension and compression.
“A steel truss spans the sports hall, allowing a wide column-free space beneath the roof.”
Practice: can you use “Truss” at work?
An engineer needs to design the roof structure for a new warehouse. The client requests a lightweight yet strong framework, so the engineer proposes using a steel truss system and must calculate member forces.
Show a model answer
“We decided to use a truss for the bridge design due to its high strength-to-weight ratio.”
“Truss” in 21 languages
| English | Truss |
|---|---|
| Turkish | kafes kiriş |
| French | ferme |
| German | Fachwerk |
| Spanish | armadura |
| Chinese | 桁架 |
| Arabic | جمالون |
| Portuguese | treliça |
| Russian | ферма |
| Japanese | トラス |
| Italian | traliccio |
| Vietnamese | giàn |
| Hindi | ट्रस |
| Thai | โครงถัก |
| Indonesian | rangka batang |
| Korean | 트러스 |
| Bengali | ট্রাস |
| Dutch | vakwerk |
| Swedish | fackverk |
| Finnish | ristikko |
| Ukrainian | ферма |
Frequently asked questions
What does Truss mean in engineering?
A truss is a structural framework composed of straight members connected at joints, typically arranged in triangles, designed to resist axial forces efficiently. In Engineering Fundamentals, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Truss?
Truss is pronounced /trʌs/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Truss used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The roof of the stadium is supported by a large steel truss that spans the entire width.”
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