abutment: Meaning and Definition of

a•but•ment

1. a masonry mass supporting and receiving the thrust of part of an arch or vault.
2. a force that serves to abut an arch or vault.
3. a mass, as of masonry, receiving the arch, beam, truss, etc., at each end of a bridge.
4. a mass or structure for resisting the pressure of water on a bridge, pier, or the like.
5. each of the parts of a canyon or the like receiving the thrusts of an arch dam.
6. a structure for absorbing tensions from reinforcing strands for concrete being prestressed.
2. the place where projecting parts meet; junction.
3. a tooth or tooth root that supports or stabilizes a bridge, denture, or other prosthetic appliance.