noun
pile
A heavy post driven into the ground to support a structure.
Each concrete pile extends deep into the ground beneath the bridge.
Etymology
Latin pila means a pillar or supporting post. The engineering sense preserves that support function for a long post driven into the ground.
More examples
- Wooden piles support the dock above the water.
- Workers drive steel piles into the soil before building the foundation.
- The engineer checks each pile for signs of damage.
Forms
pile · piles
piling noun — Posts driven into the ground for support.