A fastener that serves to join or connect WordNet 3.0 & Open English WordNet

A tie, strap, tie rod, eyebar, guy-wire, suspension cables, or wire ropes, are examples of linear structural components designed to resist tension. Wikipedia

A strong component designed to keep two objects closely linked together Wikipedia Disambiguation

Any intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion, especially a short connecting rod with a bearing at each end; specifically (in steam engines) the slotted bar, or connecting piece, to the opposite ends of which the eccentric rods are jointed, and by means of which the movement of the valve is varied, in a link motion. Wiktionary

Engineering: intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion. Wiktionary (translation)