Word of the Day for Monday, January 2, 2012
truss \truhs\,
verb:
1. To tie, bind, or fasten.
2. To make fast with skewers, thread, or the like, as the wings or legs of a fowl in preparation for cooking.
3. To furnish or support with a truss or trusses.
4. To tie or secure (the body) closely or tightly; bind (often followed by up).
5. Falconry. (Of a hawk, falcon, etc.) To grasp (prey) firmly.
noun:
1. Civil Engineering, Building Trades. A. Any of various structural frames based on the geometric rigidity of the triangle and composed of straight members subject only to longitudinal compression, tension, or both: functions as a beam or cantilever to support bridges, roofs, etc. Compare complete (def. 8), incomplete (def. 3), redundant (def. 5c). B. Any of various structural frames constructed on principles other than the geometric rigidity of the triangle or deriving stability from other factors, as the rigidity of joints, the abutment of masonry, or the stiffness of beams.
2. Medicine/Medical. An apparatus consisting of a pad usually supported by a belt for maintaining a hernia in a reduced state.
3. Horticulture. A compact terminal cluster or head of flowers growing upon one stalk.
4. Nautical. A device for supporting a standing yard, having a pivot permitting the yard to swing horizontally when braced.
5. A collection of things tied together or packed in a receptacle; bundle; pack.
6. Chiefly British. A bundle of hay or straw, especially one containing about 56 pounds (25.4 kg) of old hay, 60 pounds (27.2 kg) of new hay, or 36 pounds (16.3 kg) of straw.
She showed me how to bone a fish with one pass of the knife, how to truss a turkey, change the oil in a car, do taxes. Instruction seemed to be her only method of communication as far as I was concerned.
-- Ann Patchett, "The Patron Saint of Liars"
A dress like this does not require a maid to truss me and my hair requires only a brush.
-- Madeline Hunter, "The Sinner"
Truss is derived from the Middle English word trussen which is a related to the Vulgar Latin word torsāre meaning "to twist, wind or wrap."
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