Buttresses - English meaning

noun

A structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span, e.g. at the ends of a bridge.

Usage examples:

The first bridge was of timber with stone abutments

noun

A structure that is built to support an arch (= a curved top on two supports, that holds the weight of something above it), or the end of a bridge

noun

A device fitted to something, in particular a weak or injured part of the body, to give support.

Usage examples:

A neck brace

verb

Make (a structure) stronger or firmer with wood, iron, or other forms of support.

Usage examples:

The posts were braced by lengths of timber

phrasal verb

Keep afloat

noun

A powdery substance made by calcining lime and clay, mixed with water to form mortar or mixed with sand, gravel, and water to make concrete.

Usage examples:

We were having some building work done and there was cement, sand and mortar lying around.

verb

Fix with cement.

Usage examples:

Wooden posts were cemented into the ground

noun

A gray powder that is mixed with water, sand, and other substances, becomes very hard when dry, and is used in making concrete

Usage examples:

There weren’t any chairs, so she sat on the cement., the dentist cemented the tooth back in place.,…

verb

Establish the truth or correctness of (something previously believed or suspected to be the case).

Usage examples:

If these fears are confirmed, the outlook for the economy will be dire

verb

To make an arrangement, plan, or meeting certain or fixed

Usage examples:

The hotel has confirmed our reservation., [ + that clause ] seventy people have confirmed that they…

verb

To make an arrangement or meeting certain, often by phone or writing

Usage examples:

Confirm that so far ten people have confirmed that they will be attending the meeting., when initia…

verb

Resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger.

Usage examples:

We shall defend our island, whatever the cost

verb

To protect someone or something from attack or harm

Usage examples:

Communities will fight to defend themselves., how can people best defend themselves against disease…

verb

To protect someone or something against attack, criticism, or loss

Usage examples:

Defend sth/yourself against sth the company has been defending itself against a takeover bid., the …

verb

Provide (a place) with defensive works as protection against attack.

Usage examples:

The enclave has been heavily fortified in recent years

verb

Cause or enable (a condition or situation) to continue.

Usage examples:

The need to maintain close links between industry and schools

verb

Keep in a certain state, position, or activity

verb

To continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less

Usage examples:

Despite living in different states, the two families have maintained a close friendship., you have …

noun

A platform on pillars projecting from the shore into the sea, typically incorporating entertainment arcades and places to eat.

Usage examples:

The pier was the fourth longest in the country at 562 feet, with a large saloon and concert hall at…

noun

A structure built out over the water on posts, along which boats can land

Usage examples:

A fishing pier

noun

A pole or beam used as a temporary support or to keep something in position.

Usage examples:

He looked around for a prop to pin the door open

verb

Support or keep in position.

Usage examples:

She propped her chin in the palm of her right hand

noun

A portable object other than furniture or costumes used on the set of a play or film.

Usage examples:

The exhibition features props and costumes from the show's incredible 49-year history

verb

Strengthen or support (an object or substance), especially with additional material.

Usage examples:

The helmet has been reinforced with a double layer of cork

Strengthen and support

noun

The action or process of reinforcing or strengthening.

Usage examples:

Older electricity mains required reinforcement to meet increased demand

noun

The land along the edge of a sea, lake, or other large body of water.

Usage examples:

I made for the shore

verb

Support or hold up something with props or beams.

Usage examples:

Rescue workers had to shore up the building, which was in danger of collapse

verb

Archaic past of shear.

noun

An upright bar, post, or frame forming a support or barrier.

Usage examples:

There is barely a scrap of bare metal on the stanchions, pillars, posts, railings, and decking ribs.

noun

A fixed vertical bar or pole used as a support for something

Usage examples:

If this stanchion is removed, the stairs will collapse., his 18-yard shot hit the stanchion (= goal…

verb

Remain in the same place.

Usage examples:

You stay here and i'll be back soon

noun

A period of staying somewhere, in particular of living somewhere temporarily as a visitor or guest.

Usage examples:

An overnight stay at a luxury hotel

verb

Secure or steady (a mast) by means of stays.

Usage examples:

We stayed the mast on the starboard side by shifting the halyard

verb

Make or become stronger.

Usage examples:

He advises an application of fluoride to strengthen the teeth

verb

To become more effective, or to make something more effective

Usage examples:

[ t ] somehow his illness strengthened their marriage and brought them closer together., [ t ] pare…

verb

To make something more effective or powerful

Usage examples:

A discussion paper aiming to strengthen the eu's competition regime has been circulated amongst com…

noun

A rod or bar forming part of a framework and designed to resist compression.

Usage examples:

A supporting strut

verb

Walk with a stiff, erect, and apparently arrogant or conceited gait.

Usage examples:

Peacocks strut through the grounds

verb

Bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.

Usage examples:

The dome was supported by a hundred white columns

noun

A thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright.

Usage examples:

The best support for a camera is a tripod

verb

The act of bearing the weight of or strengthening

verb

Support (a building or other structure) from below by laying a solid foundation below ground level or by substituting stronger for weaker materials.

Usage examples:

Work began on rectifying the structural problems of the library and extra piles were inserted and t…

verb

To give support to something or provide the starting point from which something can develop

Usage examples:

Falling unemployment was likely to underpin consumer confidence., these new products are part of a …

verb

Confirm or support (something which has been questioned).

Usage examples:

The court upheld his claim for damages

verb

To defend or maintain a principle or law, or to state that a decision that has already been made, esp. a legal one, is correct

Usage examples:

The supreme court upheld california’s term limit measure.

verb

To state that a decision which has already been made, especially a legal one, is correct

Usage examples:

Uphold a decision/ruling/appeal the court is said to be upholding its decision., when he took offic…