Abutment

Pronunciation: /əˈbʌtmənt/

Definitions of abutment

noun a structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span, e.g., at the ends of a bridge.

Example Sentences

A1 The bridge abutment provides support for the structure.

A2 The abutment of the building is made of strong concrete.

B1 The abutment of the dam was carefully designed to withstand water pressure.

B2 The engineers inspected the abutment to ensure its stability.

C1 The abutment of the suspension bridge was an impressive feat of engineering.

C2 The architect meticulously planned every detail of the abutment to blend seamlessly with the surroundings.

Examples of abutment in a Sentence

formal The engineer designed a sturdy abutment to support the weight of the bridge.

informal The workers are fixing the abutment on the side of the road.

slang I accidentally bumped into the abutment while walking down the street.

figurative The strong friendship between them serves as an abutment during tough times.

Grammatical Forms of abutment

• plural: abutments
• comparative: more abutting
• superlative: most abutting
• present tense: abuts
• future tense: will abut
• perfect tense: has abutted
• continuous tense: is abutting
• singular: abutment
• positive degree: abutment
• infinitive: to abut
• gerund: abutting
• participle: abutting

Origin and Evolution of abutment

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'abutment' originated from the Latin word 'abūtmentum', which means 'a border or boundary'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in architecture to refer to the part of a structure that supports or receives pressure from another part, the term 'abutment' has evolved to also describe the point at which two things come into contact or connect, such as in dental work or engineering.