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DictionarypylonSupport tower
noun

pylon

PYE-lun/ˈpaɪlən/

A projecting structure that supports an elevated load.

Steel pylons support the power lines that cross the valley.

A single tall steel-lattice electricity pylon seen nearly front-on, with one broad crossarm supporting three clearly separated suspended conductors; all cables continue out of frame rather than connecting to a distant tower.
Etymology
pylonGreekgateway

Greek pylōn meant “gateway,” and English first used it for an Egyptian temple gateway. The name later denoted an aviation-guiding tower, then a tower carrying high-voltage wires.

In context

YouCanDo TV2:38
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MEGA CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. How Billion-dollar Sea-crossing Bridges Are Built. Machinery & Equipment

More examples

  • The bridge's cables fan out from a central pylon.
  • A pylon under each wing holds an engine in place.
  • Workers inspect the pylon supporting the large roadside sign.

Forms

pylon · pylons

Similar words

tower
A tall upright structure, not necessarily built to support loads.
pier
A vertical support beneath a bridge or other heavy structure.
strut
A brace resisting compression, often smaller and angled rather than vertical.