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A strut is a structural component designed to resist longitudinal compression. Struts provide outwards-facing support in their lengthwise direction, which can be used to keep two other components separate, performing the opposite function of a tie. They are commonly used in architecture and engineering, and the term is particularly frequently applied to components of automobile chassis.
A strut has the same primary function as a shock absorber (as a damper), but a strut is also designed to support sideways loads not along its axis of compression. This means that a strut will often have a more rugged design, with mounting points near its middle for attachment of such loads.
Strut is also a Canadian men's fashion magazine.