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column

n.
US //ˈkɑɫəm// UK //kˈɒlʌm// col·umn
  1. 1 architecture (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a tall, solid post used to support a roof or as a decoration.

    a vertical structural element, typically cylindrical, used to support an entablature or roof, or standing alone as a monument.

    Example

    The ancient temple was famous for its tall marble columns.

    Example

    The architect incorporated slender steel columns into the design to support the weight of the glass roof without obstructing the view.
  2. 2 data or tables (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a vertical list of numbers or words in a table, going from top to bottom.

    a vertical arrangement of data or text in a table, chart, or spreadsheet, contrasted with horizontal rows.

    Example

    Please add up the numbers in the left-hand column.

    Example

    The spreadsheet was difficult to read because the columns were too narrow to display the full names of the participants.
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  1. 3 journalism (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a regular piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine, often by the same writer.

    a recurring feature or opinion piece in a periodical, typically written by a single author or focused on a specific theme.

    Example

    I always read her weekly column about healthy cooking.

    Example

    The political analyst used his monthly column to critique the government's latest economic reforms and suggest alternative strategies.
  2. 4 military (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a long line of soldiers or vehicles moving together.

    a formation of troops, ships, or vehicles in which they follow one another in a single line or narrow front.

    Example

    A long column of tanks moved slowly down the dusty road.

    Example

    The supply column was forced to halt when the lead vehicle encountered a washed-out bridge following the heavy rains.
  3. 5 vertical shape (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that has a tall, thin, vertical shape.

    a vertical mass or object resembling a pillar, such as a column of smoke or the spinal column.

    Example

    A thick column of black smoke rose from the burning building.

    Example

    The surgeon explained that the injury had affected the lower part of the patient's spinal column, causing temporary numbness in the legs.
  4. 6 chemistry (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a glass tube used in a lab to separate different parts of a liquid.

    a vertical tube, often filled with a stationary phase, used in chromatography to separate or purify chemical compounds.

    Example

    The scientist carefully poured the mixture into the top of the glass column.

    Example

    The laboratory technician monitored the pressure within the chromatography column to ensure the compounds were separating at the optimal flow rate for separation.
    • fractionating column
Origin

From Middle English columne, columpne, columpe, borrowed from Old French columne, from Latin columna (“a column, pillar, post”), originally a collateral form of columen, contraction culmen (“a pillar, top, crown, summit”). Akin to Latin collis (“a hill”), celsus (“high”), probably to Ancient Greek κολοφών (kolophṓn, “top, summit”).

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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