<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Architecture, Civil Engineering: a masonry mass supporting and receiving the thrust of part of an arch or vault.</li><li>a force that serves to abut an arch or vault.</li><li>a mass, as of masonry, receiving the arch, beam, truss, etc., at each end of a bridge.</li><li>a mass or structure for resisting the pressure of water on a bridge, pier, or the like.</li><li>each of the parts of a canyon or the like receiving the thrusts of an arch dam.</li><li>a structure for absorbing tensions from reinforcing strands for concrete being prestressed.</li><li>the place where projecting parts meet; junction.</li><li>Dentistry: a tooth or tooth root that supports or stabilizes a bridge, denture, or other prosthetic appliance.</li></ul>