noun

abutment

abutment, support, pier

The bridge is supported by a large stone abutment.

The bridge is supported by a large stone abutment.

The dentist prepared the tooth for an abutment.

The dentist prepared the tooth for an abutment.

((an abutment for sth.)) a structure built to support (sth.) They built an abutment for the new bridge.

Synonyms: support, pier, buttress

From the verb 'abut' (to be next to) plus the noun-forming suffix '-ment'. It refers to the part that 'abuts' or touches another structure.

Think of it as something that 'butts up against' another structure to support it, like at the end of a bridge.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.