PILLAR
column, pillar
(noun) (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure
column, pillar
(noun) a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)
pillar
(noun) a fundamental principle or practice; “science eroded the pillars of superstition”
pillar, mainstay
(noun) a prominent supporter; “he is a pillar of the community”
column, tower, pillar
(noun) anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower; “the test tube held a column of white powder”; “a tower of dust rose above the horizon”; “a thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
pillar (plural pillars)
(architecture) A large post, often used as supporting architecture.
Something resembling such a structure.
(figuratively) An essential part of something that provides support.
(Roman Catholic) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
Synonyms
• column, sile
Verb
pillar (third-person singular simple present pillars, present participle pillaring, simple past and past participle pillared)
To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars.
Anagrams
• Aprill
Proper noun
Pillar (plural Pillars)
A surname.
Statistics
• According to the 2010 United States Census, Pillar is the 16481st most common surname in the United States, belonging to 1743 individuals. Pillar is most common among White (61.68%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (23.81%) individuals.
Anagrams
• Aprill
Source: Wiktionary
Pil"lar, n. Etym: [OE. pilerF. pilier, LL. pilare, pilarium, pilarius, fr. L. pila a pillar. See Pile a heap.]
1. The general and popular term for a firm, upright, insulated support for a superstructure; a pier, column, or post; also, a column or shaft not supporting a superstructure, as one erected for a monument or an ornament. Jacob set a pillar upon her grave. Gen. xxxv. 20. The place . . . vast and proud, Supported by a hundred pillars stood. Dryden.
2. Figuratively, that which resembles such a pillar in appearance, character, or office; a supporter or mainstay; as, the Pillars of Hercules; a pillar of the state. "You are a well-deserving pillar." Shak. By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire. Milton.
3. (R. C. Ch.)
Definition: A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. [Obs.] Skelton.
4. (Man.)
Definition: The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns. From pillar to post, hither and thither; to and fro; from one place or predicament to another; backward and forward. [Colloq.] -- Pillar saint. See Stylite.
– Pillars of the fauces. See Fauces, 1.
Pil"lar, a. (Mach.)
Definition: Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
18 April 2025
GROIN
(noun) the crease at the junction of the inner part of the thigh with the trunk together with the adjacent region and often including the external genitals
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