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counterfort

noun
coun·​ter·​fort | \ "+ˌ-\
plural -s

Definition of counterfort

: a buttress built against or integral with a wall (as a retaining wall or dam) but on the back or thrust-receiving side

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History and Etymology for counterfort

partial translation of Middle French contrefort, from contre- counter- + fort strength, force, from fort, adjective, strong

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