| buttress [`bǝ·trǝs] ARCHITECTURE An upright projection that supports or resists lateral forces in a building. BOTANY A ridge of wood developed in the angle between a lateral root and the butt of a tree. CIVIL ENGINEERING A pier constructed at right angles to a restraining wall on the side opposite to the restrained material; increases the strength and thrust resistance of the wall. PALEONTOLOGY A ridge on the inner surface of a pelecypod valve which acts as a support for part of the hinge. |