abutment

== English == === Etymology === First attested in 1644; engineering sense first attested in 1793. From Old French aboutement. Equivalent to abut +‎ -ment. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /əˈbʌt.mn̩t/ (US) IPA(key): /əˈbʌt.mn̩t/ Rhymes: -ʌtmənt === Noun === abutment (countable and uncountable, plural abutments) The point of junction between two things, in particular a support, that abuts. [First attested in the mid 17th century.] (engineering, architecture) The solid portion of a structure that supports the lateral pressure of an arch or vault. [First attested in the mid 18th century.] (engineering) A construction that supports the ends of a bridge; a structure that anchors the cables on a suspension bridge. [First attested in the mid 18th century.] (engineering) The part of a valley or canyon wall against which a dam is constructed. Heavy rains have caused the dam's abutments to seep, raising concern over possible dam failure. Something that abuts, or on which something abuts. [First attested in the mid 18th century.] The state of abutting. (architecture) That element that shares a common boundary or surface with its neighbor. (dentistry) The tooth that supports a denture or bridge. A fixed point or surface where resistance is obtained. The fulcrum acted as an abutment. ==== Translations ==== === References ===