underpinning
1
5.6
- noun
- /ˌʌndərˈpɪnɪŋ/
- Specialized
:
recalce
- The architect explained that proper underpinning is essential for stabilizing the old building's foundation.
- structural underpinnings
- same underpinnings
Examples
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From the start, the designers "wanted the exterior to walk hand in hand with the car's mechanical underpinnings," said Mike Pevovar.
Academic text (1999) -
How many businessmen know that he placed the girders and underpinnings under free enterprise that cemented that system to reason?
Blog text (16) -
You can actually see we're getting ready to, this is called underpinning the foundation.
-
How little its physical underpinnings matter to him.
Blog text (14) -
We are almost done with the new site foundation, framework, underpinnings, and design the first week of July 2012.
Blog text (10) -
The first, not surprisingly, is again based on materials, erected on our notion of recycling and its ecological underpinnings.
Academic text (1995) -
Structural Underpinnings
Academic text (1991) -
Soaring up the western side of the mesa were the clear remains of a ramp, complete with wooden underpinnings.
Academic text (2002) -
A tactical, squad-based space MMO with Roguelike underpinnings.
Blog text (18) -
However, because democracy is a foreign import and needs to operate under Taiwan's Chinese socio-cultural traditions, there are inevitable contradictions and tensions that would affect its structural underpinnings and effectiveness.
Academic text (1992)
Synonyms
13
7.1
A heavy post made of wood, steel or concrete driven deep into the ground to support a bridge
4
6.5
Support for a wall or building using props to stop collapse
4
7.2
The parts under a building or system that hold it up
3
7.4
Beams or props placed to support a building and stop it collapsing
1
7.3
The strong base under a building that holds it up
1
6.7
A support added to a frame to keep it steady
A method of leaving blocks of rock to support a mine tunnel
Work done under a building to support it
A structure built against a wall to support it
Antonyms
How Strong
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Underpinning comes from the parts under- meaning 'below' and pin meaning 'to fasten'. It originally meant fastening supports under a building to hold it up, so in construction an underpinning is the work or material used to strengthen a foundation.