pier
pier definition
pier (pir)
noun
- a heavy structure supporting the spans of a bridge, esp., as distinguished from an abutment, one supporting the adjacent ends of two center spans of a long bridge
- a structure built out over the water and supported by pillars or piles: used as a landing place, pleasure pavilion, etc.
- Archit.
- a heavy column, usually square, used to support weight, as at the end of an arch
- the part of a wall between windows or other openings
- a reinforcing part built out from the surface of a wall
Etymology: ME per < ML pera, ult. < ? or akin to L petra, stone < Gr, rock
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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