buttresses
Wall support beams
Buttresses are projecting supports built against walls to strengthen them, common in Gothic architecture where flying buttresses arc outward to brace high stone walls.
The word extends to anything that props up or reinforces: The governor served as a buttress against federal overreach.
To buttress is to support or strengthen: She buttressed her argument with statistics.
Moving through air
- cathedralBishop's principal church
- vaultsSecure storage rooms
- piersWaterside mooring platforms
- stoneSolid earth fragment
masonry · nave · aisle · chancel · apse · transept · clerestory · tracery
Refreshingly keen or stimulating
- shoringTemporary structural support
- proppingSupporting with aid
- underpinningFoundational support beneath
- reinforcingMaking more robust
stabilizing · anchoring · fortifying · load-bearing · stanchion · girder · framework · scaffolding
Enduring courage under pain
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- backboneVertebral column, or courage
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
- pillarUpright architectural support
bulwark · mainstay · anchor · cornerstone · foundation · bedrock · stronghold · bastion
Strengthening or supporting
- strengtheningIncreasing power or solidity
- sustainingMaintaining over time
- upholdingContinuing to support
- backingAid or sponsorship
maintaining · defending · safeguarding · protecting · shielding · securing · preserving · undergirding
flying
Moving through air
stone · masonry · nave · aisle · chancel · apse · transept · clerestory · tracery · ogive
bracing
Refreshingly keen or stimulating
- shoringTemporary structural support
- proppingSupporting with aid
- underpinningFoundational support beneath
reinforcing · stabilizing · anchoring · fortifying · load-bearing · stanchion · girder · framework · scaffolding · bearing
fortitude
Enduring courage under pain
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- backboneVertebral column, or courage
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
pillar · bulwark · mainstay · anchor · cornerstone · foundation · bedrock · stronghold · bastion · safeguard
bolstering
Strengthening or supporting
- strengtheningIncreasing power or solidity
- sustainingMaintaining over time
- upholdingContinuing to support
backing · maintaining · defending · safeguarding · protecting · shielding · securing · preserving · undergirding · reinforcement
- architectureEiffel Tower, buildings, architects, design, thatching
- building historyarchitects, builders, construction techniques, building materials, masonry
- building partsfacades, wall, door, windows, floor
- old townscobblestones, narrow streets, town square, town squares, medieval streets
- rocky terraincliffs, boulders, scree, outcrops, rockfall
- amphitheaterstiered seating, tiers, seats, oval shape, semicircle
buttressesundermines
Weakens by stealth
weakens · destabilizes · sabotages · erodes · compromises
- flying buttressExternal arch transferring thrust
- flying buttressesExternal arched wall supports
- buttress rootsFlared tree base extensions