pillar
n. · v.-
1 architectural support (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea tall, vertical post made of stone, wood, or metal used to support a roof or decorate a building.
a vertical structural member, typically cylindrical or square, used to support a weight or serving as an ornamental feature.
ExampleThe roof of the ancient temple was held up by massive stone pillars.
ExampleThe architect incorporated slender steel pillars into the design to maintain an open floor plan while supporting the weight of the upper gallery.
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2 important person or idea (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea person or an idea that is a very important and reliable part of something.
a person or abstract principle that provides essential support or stability to a community, system, or organisation.
ExampleMy grandmother was a pillar of the local community for over fifty years.
ExampleFreedom of the press is often described as a fundamental pillar of a healthy democratic society.
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3 natural rock formation (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Sciencea tall, thin piece of rock that stands alone, often created by wind or water.
a vertical, often spire-shaped, natural rock formation resulting from erosion or volcanic activity.
ExampleThe hikers stopped to photograph the strange rock pillars rising from the desert floor.
ExampleThe coastal landscape is defined by dramatic sandstone pillars that have been isolated from the mainland by centuries of wave erosion.
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4 to support with posts (v.) C2 Proficiency Formalto provide a building or structure with pillars for strength.
to provide with pillars or to strengthen a structure as if with vertical supports.
ExampleThe engineers decided to pillar the old bridge to prevent it from collapsing.
ExampleThe vaulted ceiling was pillared with reinforced concrete to ensure the stability of the cathedral's expanded nave.
From Middle English piler, from Old French pilier, from Medieval Latin or Vulgar Latin *pilāre (“a pillar”), from Latin pila (“a pillar, pier, mole”).