bowstring truss: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/Professional)Formal, Technical, Professional
Quick answer
What does “bowstring truss” mean?
A structural truss (framework) in which the main beam or tie is straight and horizontal, while the upper members form a curved arch, resembling a bow and its string.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A structural truss (framework) in which the main beam or tie is straight and horizontal, while the upper members form a curved arch, resembling a bow and its string.
A specific type of truss design used in bridges and roof construction, characterized by a curved top chord (or series of members) that follows an arch shape, and a straight bottom chord under tension, analogous to the string of a bow.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the technical term is identical in both varieties of English. Spelling of related terms (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center') may vary in surrounding text.
Connotations
None beyond the technical architectural/engineering context.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both regions, used almost exclusively within engineering, architecture, and construction fields.
Grammar
How to Use “bowstring truss” in a Sentence
The [structure] features a bowstring truss.A bowstring truss supports the [roof/bridge].The engineer designed a bowstring truss to span the [distance].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bowstring truss” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The roof will be bowstring-trussed for maximum strength and aesthetic appeal.
- They chose to bowstring-truss the gallery's ceiling.
American English
- The design calls for the bridge to be bowstring-trussed.
- We should bowstring-truss that section to handle the load.
adverb
British English
- The beams were arranged bowstring-truss-style across the span.
American English
- The structure was built bowstring-truss-fashion to save material.
adjective
British English
- The bowstring-truss design won the architectural award.
- It was a classic bowstring-truss configuration.
American English
- The bowstring-truss bridge is a local landmark.
- We evaluated several bowstring-truss solutions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific contexts like construction tenders or infrastructure project reports.
Academic
Common in engineering, architectural history, and construction textbooks and journals.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used in structural engineering, bridge design, architectural plans, and heritage building conservation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bowstring truss”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bowstring truss”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bowstring truss”
- Misspelling as 'bow string truss' (two words) is common, though 'bowstring' as a single-word modifier is standard in technical usage.
- Confusing it with other arch-based structures that do not have a distinct, straight tension member at the bottom.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A pure arch bridge transfers load laterally to its abutments through compression. A bowstring truss incorporates a truss system; its curved top chord acts like an arch, but the straight bottom chord 'ties' the ends together, absorbing the horizontal thrust, which can simplify abutment design.
Historically and currently, they are used for medium-span bridges (especially railway and pedestrian bridges) and for large roof structures in buildings like aircraft hangars, sports halls, and railway stations where a wide, column-free space is required.
Traditionally made from wrought iron or steel. Modern versions use high-strength steel, while some architectural applications use engineered timber (glulam). Concrete is less common but possible.
The name is a direct visual and functional analogy. The curved upper members resemble the wooden body (the 'bow') of an archer's bow, while the straight lower member, which is in tension, resembles the 'string' that is drawn back.
A structural truss (framework) in which the main beam or tie is straight and horizontal, while the upper members form a curved arch, resembling a bow and its string.
Bowstring truss is usually formal, technical, professional in register.
Bowstring truss: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊˌstrɪŋ trʌs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊˌstrɪŋ trʌs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bow (the curved weapon) and its straight string. The truss looks just like that: a curved top (the bow) and a straight, tensioned bottom (the string).
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A WEAPON (specifically, a bow). The truss metaphorically maps the functional parts of a bow (curved wood, tensioned string) onto the structural members of the truss.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a bowstring truss?