strongback

Nautical, Transport The fore-and-aft spar extending from stem to stern on a lifeboat and serving as a raised spreader for a boat cover. (FM 55-501)

Nautical, Transport A strong bar placed across a hatch opening to hold hatch boards or hatch covers. (FM 55-501)

Business, Carpentry, Construction, Manufacturing A load-bearing post with a T-shaped cross-section, where the short T-tail prevents bowing of the long post.

A backing pole used to reinforce and stabilize vertically-oriented sculptures.

Aerospace, Business, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Space science A vertical structure used to support and stabilize a rocket, often hosting fuel and power umbilical connections. Usually retracted immediately before launch.