buttress

¹but·tress

noun \ˈbə-trəs\

Definition of BUTTRESS

1

: a projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a wall or building

2

: something that resembles a buttress: as a : a projecting part of a mountain or hill b : a horny protuberance on a horse's hoof at the heel — see hoof illustration c : the broadened base of a tree trunk or a thickened vertical part of it

3

: something that supports or strengthens <a buttress of the cause of peace>

— but·tressed \-trəst\ adjective

Examples of BUTTRESS

1. <the mother had always been the buttress of our family in trying times>
2. <after the wall collapsed, the construction company agreed to rebuild it with a buttress>

Illustration of BUTTRESS

Origin of BUTTRESS

Middle English butres, from Anglo-French (arche) boteraz thrusting (arch), ultimately from buter to thrust — more at butt

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BUTTRESS

Synonyms: anchor, dependence, mainstay, pillar, reliance, standby

Related Words: backbone, sinew(s), spine; right hand; bolsterer, crutch, handmaiden (also handmaid), prop, stay; anchorage, harbor, refuge

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth