buttress

[ buh-tris ]

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Part of Speech noun

Origin + Etymology

Early 14th century; French from Old French (ars) bouterez ‘thrusting (arch)’, from boter ‘to strike or thrust’

Synonyms

column
prop

Antonyms

unavailable

Definition

any external prop or support built to steady a structure by opposing its outward thrusts, especially a projecting support built into or against the outside of a masonry wall

Example

While giving a tour of the castle, the guide drew attention to the intricate detailing on the buttress which supported the main entry.

Usage Over Time

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Usage Over Time

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hazy

[ hey-zee ]

characterized by the presence of haze; misty

anaphora

[ uh-naf-er-uh ]

the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses

newfangled

[ noo-fang-guhld ]

of a new kind or fashion

cacophony

[ kuh-kof-uh-nee ]

a harsh discordant mixture of sounds

insinuate

[ in-sin-yoo-eyt ]

to suggest or hint slyly

revel

[ rev-uhl ]

to take great pleasure or delight

doppelgänger

[ dop-uhl-gang-er ]

an apparition or double of a living person

retinue

[ ret-n-oo ]

a body of retainers in attendance upon an important personage; suite

legerdemain

[ lej-er-duh-meyn ]

sleight of hand; trickery