abutment

First attested in 1644; engineering sense first attested in 1793. From Old French aboutement.[1] Equivalent to abut +‎ -ment.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /əˈbʌt.mn̩t/
• (US) IPA^(key): /əˈbʌt.mn̩t/
• Rhymes: -ʌtmənt

abutment (countable and uncountable, plural abutments)

1. The point of junction between two things, in particular a support, that abuts. [First attested in the mid 17^th century.][1]
2. (engineering, architecture) The solid portion of a structure that supports the lateral pressure of an arch or vault. [First attested in the mid 18^th century.][1]
3. (engineering) A construction that supports the ends of a bridge; a structure that anchors the cables on a suspension bridge. [First attested in the mid 18^th century.][1]
4. Something that abuts, or on which something abuts. [First attested in the mid 18^th century.][1]
5. The state of abutting.
6. (architecture) That element that shares a common boundary or surface with its neighbor.
7. (dentistry) The tooth that supports a denture or bridge.
8. A fixed point or surface where resistance is obtained.

   The fulcrum acted as an abutment.