Columns: meaning, definitions and examples

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columns

[ ˈkɒləm ]

^{Context #1}

in a room

Vertical pillars that support the roof and walls of a building.

Synonyms

pillar, post, support

Examples of usage

The living room had elegant columns that added a touch of sophistication to the space.
The ancient Greek architecture is known for its use of columns in temples and public buildings.

^{Context #2}

in a table

A vertical division of facts or figures, typically in a newspaper or magazine.

Synonyms

category, division, section

Examples of usage

The newspaper had a column dedicated to sports news.
The financial report included a column showing the company's profits and losses.

^{Context #3}

computing

To arrange (a page, text, or data) in parallel lines.

Synonyms

align, format, organize

Examples of usage

The data in the spreadsheet was columned to make it easier to read and analyze.
The text was columned for better readability on the website.

Translations

Translations of the word "columns" in other languages:

🇵🇹 colunas

🇮🇳 स्तंभ

🇩🇪 Spalten

🇮🇩 kolom

🇺🇦 колонки

🇵🇱 kolumny

🇯🇵 列

🇫🇷 colonnes

🇪🇸 columnas

🇹🇷 sütunlar

🇰🇷 열

🇸🇦 أعمدة

🇨🇿 sloupce

🇸🇰 stĺpce

🇨🇳 列

🇸🇮 stolpci

🇮🇸 dálkar

🇰🇿 бағандар

🇬🇪 სვეტები

🇦🇿 sütunlar

🇲🇽 columnas

Word origin

The word 'column' originated from the Latin word 'columna', meaning a pillar or a post. Columns have been used in architecture for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans incorporating them into their buildings. Over time, the term 'column' has evolved to also refer to divisions in written or printed materials, such as newspapers and tables. In computing, the verb form of 'column' is used to describe the arrangement of data in parallel lines for better organization and readability.