buttress

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈbʌtrəs/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈbʌtrɪs/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Noun

Singular buttress

Plural buttresses

1. (architecture) A buttress is a structure built against another structure to support it.
   • Synonyms: counterfort and brace
2. (by extension) A buttress is something that serves to support something.

Verb

Plain form buttress

Third-person singular buttresses

Past tense buttressed

Past participle buttressed

Present participle buttressing

1. If something buttresses, it supports something physically with a buttress.
2. (figurative) (by extension) If a person buttresses, they support something or someone by providing evidence.