A structural device of masonry or concrete that resists the diagonal forces from an arch or vault; abutment
A side support that counteracts an outward pusing force, the way bookends keep books on a shelf from sliding sideways Buttresses are often used to support the sides of arches and walls of tall churches, where they counteract the outward thrust
a bracket-like wall that projects from a wall to strengthen and stiffen it against overturning forces that are applied to the opposite face A buttress must touch the wall it reinforces, although it may be integral with or independent of it All parts of a buttress act in compression See also counterfort
A structure built against a wall to support or reinforce it Usually an exterior masonry structure that opposes the lateral thrust of an arch or a vault and adds extra support
A projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a wall or building; a projecting part of a mountain or hill; a broadened base of a tree trunk or a thickened vertical part of it; something that supports or strengthens
an arch shaped support, used by builders of bridges and churches in the days before steel
A square projection of masonry on the outside or corner of a wall that provides extra strength for some internal feature such as a roof beam or an arch
A support built against the wall and designed to strengthen it The flying buttress, which supports the wall from the outside, is characteristic of Gothic cathedrals
Buttresses are supports, usually made of stone or brick, that support a wall. a brick or stone structure built to support a wall (boterez, from boter; BUTT). to support a system, idea, argument etc, especially by providing money. Exterior support, usually of masonry, projecting from the face of a wall and serving to strengthen it or resist outward thrust from an arch or roof. Buttresses also have a decorative function. Though used since ancient times (Mesopotamian temples featured decorative buttresses, as did Roman and Byzantine structures), they are especially associated with Gothic architecture. See also flying buttress
A mass of stone built up to support a wall, usually necessary to strengthen those of great height See flying buttress
A projecting mass of masonry set at an angle to or boned into a wall that it strengthens or supports
A vertical strip of heavy masonry applied to the wall of a building to provide structural reinforcement against lateral forces (as from a vault or an arch) When the buttress is a free-standing pier attached to the wall by one or more arches, it is called a flying buttress
A projecting masonry structure to give additional strength and stability to a wall, distribute superimposed loads and/or resist the lateral thrusts from an arch, roof or vaults as in large churches and cathedrals
a support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building make stronger or defensible; "buttress your thesis" reinforce with a buttress; "Buttress the church
An arched masonry support serving to bear thrust, as from a roof or vault, away from a main structure to an outer pier or buttress. Also called arc-boutant. a curved line of stones or bricks that are joined to the outside wall of a large building such as a church, and help to support it. Masonry structure typically consisting of an inclined bar carried on a half arch that extends ("flies") from the upper part of a wall to a pier some distance away and carries the thrust of a roof or vault. A pinnacle (vertical ornament of pyramidal or conical shape) often crowns the pier, adding weight and enhancing stability. The flying buttress evolved in the Gothic era from earlier simpler, hidden supports. The design increased the supporting power of the buttress and allowed for the creation of the high-ceilinged churches typical of Gothic architecture
[ 'b&-tr&s ] (noun.) 14th century. From Old French bouterez, bouteret, from Frankish *botan, from Proto-Germanic *bautanan (“to push”) ( > English beat).