abutment
uh-BUT-ment
/əˈbʌtmənt/
A structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span, e.g., at the end of a bridge.
It is the point where the bridge meets the land, providing both vertical and horizontal support.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'abouter,' meaning to join end to end. It describes how the bridge 'butts' up against the land.
Word relationships
- support: Support is general; abutment is a specific engineering term for end-supports.
Commonly confused with
- pier: A pier is an intermediate support; an abutment is an end support.
Word family
- abut (verb): To be next to or have a common boundary with.
Collocations
- bridge abutment
- concrete abutment
- retaining abutment
Example sentences
- "The concrete abutment transfers the load of the bridge into the riverbank." Engineering
- "Inspectors found cracks in the eastern abutment after the earthquake." Construction
Memory hook
The bridge 'butts' into the land at the 'abutment.' Where bridge meets land.
When not to use
Don't use for the middle pillars of a bridge; those are called 'piers.'
Fun facts
- In dentistry, an 'abutment' is the tooth or implant that supports a bridge or denture.
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