abutment

[ uh-buht-muhnt ]

noun

1. Architecture, Civil Engineering.
   1. a masonry mass supporting and receiving the thrust of part of an arch or vault.
   2. a force that serves to abut an arch or vault.
   3. a mass, as of masonry, receiving the arch, beam, truss, etc., at each end of a bridge.
   4. a mass or structure for resisting the pressure of water on a bridge, pier, or the like.
   5. each of the parts of a canyon or the like receiving the thrusts of an arch dam.
   6. a structure for absorbing tensions from reinforcing strands for concrete being prestressed.
2. the place where projecting parts meet; junction.
3. Dentistry. a tooth or tooth root that supports or stabilizes a bridge, denture, or other prosthetic appliance.

abutment

/ əˈbʌtmənt /

noun

1. the state or process of abutting
2. 1. something that abuts
   2. the thing on which something abuts
   3. the point of junction between them
3. architect civil engineering a construction that takes the thrust of an arch or vault or supports the end of a bridge

Word History and Origins

Origin of abutment¹

First recorded in 1635–45; abut + -ment

Example Sentences

Plans also call for the use of Ashlar stone cladding for the bridge piers, and abutments and walls near the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

From Washington Post

A minute later, the Cadillac slammed into a rock abutment wall at nearly 90 mph.

From Seattle Times

Another vehicle drove off the east bridge abutment and landed on its roof.

From Seattle Times

Though the project is driven largely by the need to connect landscape, another challenge involves development of “natural-looking” abutments, approach slopes and walls expected to provide potential homes for small animals, birds and insects.

From Los Angeles Times

A fifth vehicle drove off the east bridge abutment and landed on its roof.

From Seattle Times