In construction, a is a masonry support built against an exterior wall. It is designed to counteract the lateral (sideways) pressure exerted by heavy roofs or arches, pushing the force downward into the ground.
Buttressing is the act of providing external support to a structure or an idea to reinforce its stability. Whether in architecture or rhetoric, it serves as a crucial foundation for strength. 1. Architectural Foundations buttressing
: Small actions, like giving compliments, can buttress one's popularity or social standing. 3. Specialized Applications In construction, a is a masonry support built
: To allow for taller buildings and thinner walls without the risk of collapse. Whether in architecture or rhetoric, it serves as
: Iconic in Gothic cathedrals like Notre Dame de Paris, these arches bridge the gap between an outer pier and the wall, allowing for massive stained-glass windows. 2. Figurative Reinforcement
Beyond stone and mortar, "buttressing" is used as a verb to describe strengthening intangible things:
