Entry Word: pillar

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 an upright shaft that supports an overhead structure <the ancient Greek temple boasted graceful marble pillars with richly ornamented tops>

Synonyms column, pier, pilaster, post, stanchion

Related Words caryatid, pedestal; buttress, flying buttress; needle, obelisk

2 something or someone to which one looks for support <my father has been my pillar throughout this crisis> — see dependence 2