Abutment

First attested in 1644; engineering sense first attested in 1793. From Old French aboutement.

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Equivalent to abut + -ment.

Full definition of abutment

(plural abutments)

The point of junction between two things, in particular a support, that abuts. First attested in the mid 17^th century.
(engineering, architecture) The solid portion of a structure that supports the lateral pressure of an arch or vault. First attested in the mid 18^th century.
(engineering) A construction that supports the ends of a bridge; a structure that anchors the cables on a suspension bridge. First attested in the mid 18^th century.
Something that abuts, or on which something abuts. First attested in the mid 18^th century.
The state of abutting.
(architecture) That element that shares a common boundary or surface with its neighbor.
(dentistry) The tooth that supports a denture or bridge.
A fixed point or surface where resistance is obtained.The fulcrum acted as an abutment.