Abutments

Pronunciation: /əˈbʌtmənts/

Definitions of abutments

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 has sturdy abutments on each end.

A2 The engineer inspected the abutments for any signs of wear.

B1 The construction crew worked on reinforcing the abutments to support the weight of the bridge.

B2 The architect designed the abutments to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

C1 The historical significance of the abutments was carefully preserved during the restoration project.

C2 The structural integrity of the abutments was crucial for ensuring the safety of the entire bridge.

Examples of abutments in a Sentence

formal The engineer inspected the abutments of the bridge to ensure they were structurally sound.

informal I saw some workers fixing the abutments of the old building down the street.

slang I don't know why they keep messing with the abutments, it's fine the way it is.

figurative The abutments of his argument were weak, leading to a flawed conclusion.

Grammatical Forms of abutments

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

Origin and Evolution of abutments

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'abutments' originated from the Latin word 'abūtāre' which means 'to touch at the end'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'abutments' has come to specifically refer to the supporting structures at the ends of a bridge or an arch, where they meet the ground or another structure.