How to Pronounce "Abutment"

noun
Architecture, Civil Engineering.

a masonry mass supporting and receiving the thrust of part of an arch or vault.

a force that serves to abut an arch or vault.

a mass, as of masonry, receiving the arch, beam, truss, etc., at each end of a bridge.

a mass or structure for resisting the pressure of water on a bridge, pier, or the like.

each of the parts of a canyon or the like receiving the thrusts of an arch dam.

a structure for absorbing tensions from reinforcing strands for concrete being prestressed.

the place where projecting parts meet; junction.

Dentistry. a tooth or tooth root that supports or stabilizes a bridge, denture, or other prosthetic appliance.