buttresses
nounUK /ˈbʌt.rɪs.ɪz/
US /ˈbʌt.rɪs.ɪz/
Buttresses are strong stone or brick supports that hold up a wall.
The old church has tall buttresses on both sides to keep its walls standing.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Things that give support or strength to an idea or system.
Trust and honesty are the buttresses of a good friendship.
3. To strengthen or support something.
The new evidence buttresses the scientist's theory.
4. The parts of a building that stick out from a wall to make it stronger.
We walked past the flying buttresses of the cathedral.