Buttressing: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฐ
buttressing
[ หbสtrษsษชล ]
construction support
Buttressing refers to a structural support built to strengthen or reinforce a wall or any other architectural element. It serves to counteract lateral forces, ensuring stability and durability. Buttresses are often used in large buildings, such as cathedrals and castles, where they help to distribute weight and withstand external pressures. They can be found in various architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Romanesque, and are typically made of stone or brick.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The cathedral featured impressive buttressing that allowed it to reach great heights.
- Without proper buttressing, the old wall started to lean dangerously.
- Architects often incorporate buttressing techniques in modern designs for added stability.
provide support
To buttress means to provide support or strengthen something. This can refer to physical structures as well as abstract concepts like arguments or positions. In architecture, to buttress a wall involves adding material to enhance its stability. In reasoning or debate, buttressing an argument involves providing additional evidence or reasons to strengthen its validity.
Synonyms
reinforce, strengthen, support
Examples of usage
- The lawyer worked hard to buttress her case with compelling evidence.
- We need to buttress our claims with data and statistics.
- The engineer must buttress the design to ensure safety.
Translations
Translations of the word "buttressing" in other languages:
๐ต๐น contraforte
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคนเคพเคฐเคพ เคฆเฅเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Abstรผtzung
๐ฎ๐ฉ penopang
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะดะฟะพัะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ podpora
๐ฏ๐ต ๆฏใ
๐ซ๐ท contrefort
๐ช๐ธ contrafuerte
๐น๐ท destekleme
๐ฐ๐ท ์ง์ง
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฏุนุงู ุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ opora
๐ธ๐ฐ podpora
๐จ๐ณ ๆฏๆ
๐ธ๐ฎ opora
๐ฎ๐ธ stoรฐ
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะพะปะดะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแฎแแ แแแญแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ dรถลษmษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ refuerzo
Etymology
The term 'buttressing' originates from the Old French word 'abutir', meaning to support or to thrust against. This root is closely tied to the process of building structures that need additional support to manage weight and lateral forces. In architectural contexts, buttresses became especially prominent during the Gothic era, where they were employed to allow for taller walls and larger windows without compromising stability. The technique represented a significant advancement in architectural design, enabling the construction of majestic cathedrals that still stand today as testaments to its effectiveness. Over time, 'buttressing' found its way into metaphorical uses in English, referring to the act of supporting ideas or arguments.