Wiktionary
shear stress
n. (context physics English) the component of stress that causes parallel layers of a material to move relative to each other in their own planes.
Wikipedia
Shear stress
A shear stress, denoted ( Greek: tau), is defined as the component of stress coplanar with a material cross section. Shear stress arises from the force vector component parallel to the cross section. Normal stress, on the other hand, arises from the force vector component perpendicular to the material cross section on which it acts.
Usage examples of "shear stress".
Besides that, we support the hole against collapse and shear stress with rock bolts, fired through the casing and into the rock beyond.
The stuff had bonded superficially, but wasn't up to taking a sudden shear stress.