tower Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
noun anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
column; pillar.
- the test tube held a column of white powder
- a tower of dust rose above the horizon
- a thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite
noun a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships
tugboat; towboat; tug.
verb appear very large or occupy a commanding position
loom; hulk; predominate.
- The huge sculpture predominates over the fountain
- Large shadows loomed on the canyon wall

OE. tour,tor,tur, F. tour, L. turris; akin to Gr. cf. W. twr a tower, Ir. tor a castle, Gael. torr a tower, castle. Cf. Tor, Turret.

(Arch.) (a) A mass of building standing alone and insulated, usually higher than its diameter, but when of great size not always of that proportion. (b) A projection from a line of wall, as a fortification, for purposes of defense, as a flanker, either or the same height as the curtain wall or higher. (c) A structure appended to a larger edifice for a special purpose, as for a belfry, and then usually high in proportion to its width and to the height of the rest of the edifice; as, a church tower.
A citadel; a fortress; hence, a defense.
Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. Ps. lxi. 3.
A headdress of a high or towerlike form, fashionable about the end of the seventeenth century and until 1715; also, any high headdress.
Lay trains of amorous intrigues In towers, and curls, and periwigs. Hudibras.
High flight; elevation. Obs. Johnson.

imperfect & past participle towered ; present participle & verbal noun towering

To rise and overtop other objects; to be lofty or very high; hence, to soar.
On the other side an high rock towered still. Spenser.

My lord protector's hawks do tower so well. Shak.