noun
pier
An upright support for a bridge or building.
A concrete pier supports the bridge where it crosses the river.
Etymology
The older French word named a stone support or pier. The structural sense preserves its role as an upright member carrying a bridge or building.
More examples
- Inspectors check each bridge pier for cracks.
- The wooden cabin rests on short concrete piers.
- Workers reinforce the damaged pier beneath the railway bridge.
Forms
pier · piers