abutment Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun point of contact between two objects or parts
  2. noun a masonry support that touches and directly receives thrust or pressure of an arch or bridge

WordNet


A*but"ment noun
Definitions
  1. State of abutting.
  2. That on or against which a body abuts or presses; as (a) (Arch.) The solid part of a pier or wall, etc., which receives the thrust or lateral pressure of an arch, vault, or strut. Gwilt. (b) (mech.) A fixed point or surface from which resistance or reaction is obtained, as the cylinder head of a steam engine, the fulcrum of a lever, etc. (c) In breech-loading firearms, the block behind the barrel which receives the pressure due to recoil.

Webster 1913