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Pillar

//ˈpɪlə// name, noun, verb

Definitions

Proper Noun

1
A surname.

Noun

1
A large post, often used as supporting architecture.
2
(architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure wordnet
3
Something resembling such a structure.
"a pillar of smoke"
4
a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument) wordnet
5
An essential part of something that provides support. figuratively
"He's a pillar of the community."

Show 7 more definitions

6
a fundamental principle or practice wordnet
7
A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
"two laye-men secular eache of theym holdynge a pillar In their hondes, steade of a mace"
8
a prominent supporter wordnet
9
The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
10
anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower wordnet
11
The body from the hips over the core to the shoulders.
12
A vertical, often spire-shaped, natural rock formation.

Verb

1
To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars. transitive
"Insufficient penetration, or faulty distribution of the blast, may give rise to "pillaring" — that is, the formation of a pillar or column of cold material extending up through the middle of the hearth"

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English piler, from Old French pilier, from Medieval Latin or Vulgar Latin *pilāre (“a pillar”), from Latin pila (“a pillar, pier, mole”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English piler, from Old French pilier, from Medieval Latin or Vulgar Latin *pilāre (“a pillar”), from Latin pila (“a pillar, pier, mole”).

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