Pillars
Temple's vertical supports
Pillars are vertical structural elements designed to bear weight through compression.
Unlike columns, which are often circular, pillars can have varied cross-sections, including square, rectangular, or polygonal.
Historically, pillars have been used in load-bearing systems like post-and-lintel construction, as seen in ancient Egyptian temples.
In Gothic architecture, clustered pillars were used to support ribbed vaults.
Modern pillars may incorporate reinforced concrete or steel for added strength.
The cathedral’s soaring pillars supported the intricate vaulted ceiling.
Upright structural shafts
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- marbleRecrystallized limestone rock
- stoneSolid earth fragment
- colonnadeRow supporting a roof
capitals · bases · fluted · Corinthian · Doric · Ionic · portico · temple
Distinct geological structures
- sea stacksIsolated coastal rock formations
- hoodoosCurses or stone columns
- spiresTapering architectural towers
- basaltFine-grained volcanic stone
volcanic · cave · stalactites · stalagmites · erosion · sandstone · geological · karst
Quranic monotheistic religion
- faithTrust without proof
- prayerAddress to deity
- charityVoluntary aid for others
- fastingDeliberate food avoidance
pilgrimage · salat · zakat · hajj · doctrine · Buddhism · Judaism · spiritual
Essential founding elements
- principlesFoundational moral beliefs
- fundamentalsCore elements of something
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- foundationsStructural bases below ground
tenets · basis · core · keystones · underpinnings · anchors · essentials · mainstays
columns
Upright structural shafts
colonnade · capitals · bases · fluted · Corinthian · Doric · Ionic · portico · temple · facade
rock formations
Distinct geological structures
- sea stacksIsolated coastal rock formations
- hoodoosCurses or stone columns
- spiresTapering architectural towers
basalt · volcanic · cave · stalactites · stalagmites · erosion · sandstone · geological · karst · mesa
Islam
Quranic monotheistic religion
fasting · pilgrimage · salat · zakat · hajj · doctrine · Buddhism · Judaism · spiritual · wisdom
cornerstones
Essential founding elements
- principlesFoundational moral beliefs
- fundamentalsCore elements of something
- bedrockSolid stone underground
foundations · tenets · basis · core · keystones · underpinnings · anchors · essentials · mainstays · backbone
stalwarts
Devoted, reliable supporters
- championsContest winners, top performers
- leadersThose with authority
- anchorsWeighted devices securing vessels
mainstays · rocks · towers · supporters · guardians · bulwarks · cornerstones · backbone · strength · steadfast
smoke
Airborne combustion byproduct
billowing · ash · volcanic · dust · tornado · funnel · swirling · towering · inferno · conflagration
Pillarsdregs
Residue at bottom
outcasts · pariahs · liabilities · burdens · weak links
- pillar of the communityRespected local leader
- pillar of strengthDependable source of support
- pillar-box redBright British mailbox crimson
- from pillar to postShunted about aimlessly
- pillar of societyEsteemed, upstanding community member
- pillar of saltBiblical backward glance