buttress
[ buh-tris ]
/ ˈbʌ trɪs /
noun
any external prop or support built to steady a structure by opposing its outward thrusts, especially a projecting support built into or against the outside of a masonry wall.
any prop or support.
a thing shaped like a buttress, as a tree trunk with a widening base.
a bony or horny protuberance, especially on a horse's hoof.
verb (used with object)
to support by a buttress; prop up.
to give encouragement or support to (a person, plan, etc.).
Origin of buttress
OTHER WORDS FROM buttress
but·tress·less, adjective but·tress·like, adjective non·but·tressed, adjective un·but·tressed, adjectiveWords nearby buttress
buttonmold,
buttonmould,
buttons,
buttonwood,
buttony,
buttress,
buttress plate,
buttress root,
buttress thread,
butts and bounds,
buttstock
Example sentences from the Web for buttress
British Dictionary definitions for buttress
buttress
/ (ˈbʌtrɪs) /
noun
Also called: pier
a construction, usually of brick or stone, built to support a wall
See also flying buttress
any support or prop
something shaped like a buttress, such as a projection from a mountainside
either of the two pointed rear parts of a horse's hoof
verb (tr)
to support (a wall) with a buttress
to support or sustain
Word Origin for buttress
C13: from Old French
bouterez, short for
ars bouterez thrusting arch, from
bouter to thrust,
butt ³