support column
1
3.9
- noun
- /səˈpɔrt ˈkɒləm/
- Specialized
- During the renovation, workers had to reinforce the support columns to improve the building's structural integrity.
Examples
-
I got 240 tons of sea water on the forward support column!
-
The architect designed the building's layout around the support columns to ensure it could hold heavy loads safely.
-
"That the shop monkey drove your truck into one of the support columns inside the service bay.
Blog text (30) -
A support column bursts into dust.
Fiction book (1991) -
His other arm was wrapped around a red supporting column, as if he were leaning out from it, holding on to keep from falling.
Fiction book (1994) -
Remotely blow the support columns in the subbasement levels, and the whole structure will collapse.
-
He clings to the center support column.
Fiction book (1997) -
And since the exterior walls could bear the bulk of the load, internal supporting columns could be removed to maximize space.
-
He slows almost to a stop but hits a steel support column head-on.
Fiction book (1991) -
Transportation officials say it will likely be Wednesday before inspectors can safely get in boats and examine the water depth around the bridge's support columns.
Blog text (2)
Synonyms
90
1.6
A tall upright pillar that supports a building or the body
78
1.4
A thing that holds up weight, like a pillar
4
4.0
A part that holds something and keeps it upright, like columns or a skeleton
1
4.5
A tall structure that holds and steadies bridges or power lines
1
9.3
A metal tube filled with concrete that supports the weight of a building
How Strong
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'support' (a component that holds or carries weight) with 'column' (a vertical, pillar-like structure); together they denote a vertical structural element that bears loads. This noun–noun compositional pattern is regular and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand the MWE.
Etymology
The noun support column comes from the simple image of a vertical post that supports heavy parts of a building—the column stands under a beam or floor to 'hold up' the structure. So support column means a strong upright post that 'bears weight' and keeps the building standing.