abutment

Meanings

1. The point of junction between two things, in particular a support, that abuts.
2. The solid portion of a structure that supports the lateral pressure of an arch or vault.
3. A construction that supports the ends of a bridge; a structure that anchors the cables on a suspension bridge.
4. The part of a valley or canyon wall against which a dam is constructed.
5. Something that abuts, or on which something abuts.
6. The state of abutting.
7. That element that shares a common boundary or surface with its neighbor.
8. The tooth that supports a denture or bridge.
9. A fixed point or surface where resistance is obtained.

Etymology

First attested in 1644; engineering sense first attested in 1793. From Old French aboutement. Equivalent to abut + -ment.