Strut
Strut turns up in 2 fields: automotive, building. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Strut in automotive
A structural suspension component that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single assembly.
This structural piece of the suspension system acts as both a shock absorber and a load-bearing pillar for the vehicle chassis. It provides the upper pivot point for the steering knuckle and houses the coil spring to support the vehicle's weight. When the internal valving fails, the tire loses consistent contact with the road, leading to cupped tread wear and poor handling.
"The right front strut is leaking oil down the housing, so we need to quote them for a pair."
Strut in building
A structural member designed to resist longitudinal compression loads.
A rigid framing element installed diagonally or vertically to hold other members apart and resist compressive forces. Struts prevent structural collapse by transferring weight from an unsupported span to a solid bearing point, commonly used in roof trusses, trench shoring, and heavy timber framing.
"The engineer wants a steel strut added between the purlin and the load-bearing wall to handle the extra snow load."