a structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span, e.g. at the ends of a bridge 桥台;拱座 ■[mass noun]the process of supporting something with such a structure 支撑 ■a point at which something abuts against something else 支撑点
语源
mid 17th cent.: from abut + -ment; compare with French aboutement 'joining end to end'