abutment

plural abutments

1. countableuncountableThe point of junction between two things, in particular a support, that abuts.First known use First attested in the mid 17ᵗʰ century.
2. countableuncountablearchitectureThe solid portion of a structure that supports the lateral pressure of an arch or vault.First known use First attested in the mid 18ᵗʰ century.
3. countableuncountableengineeringA construction that supports the ends of a bridge; a structure that anchors the cables on a suspension bridge.First known use First attested in the mid 18ᵗʰ century.

   Each of the bridges consists of six separate girder spans on brick abutments.

   1959 May, “Talking of Trains: Bethnal Green alterations”, in Trains Illustrated, page 236

4. countableuncountableengineeringThe 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.

5. countableuncountableSomething that abuts, or on which something abuts.First known use First attested in the mid 18ᵗʰ century.
6. countableuncountableThe state of abutting.
7. countableuncountablearchitectureThat element that shares a common boundary or surface with its neighbor.
8. countableuncountabledentistryThe tooth that supports a denture or bridge.
9. countableuncountableA fixed point or surface where resistance is obtained.

   The fulcrum acted as an abutment.