Buttress

Noun

Definition: A structure built against or projecting from a wall to support or reinforce it.

Synonyms: Support, Brace, Prop, Reinforcement

Antonyms: Weaken, Undermine

Examples:

The cathedral's flying buttresses provided structural support for the towering walls.
The architect incorporated buttresses into the design to ensure the stability of the building.

Mnemonics:

Imagine a buttress as a "butt rest" that supports and keeps things steady.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'boterace', from Old French 'bouter' (to thrust) + 'race' (support).

Historical Usage:

The word "buttress" can be traced back to the 14th century and has been used in architectural contexts to describe support structures for walls ever since.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

None relevant.

Explanation:

"Butteress" is not a valid term, and confusion might arise due to its similarity in pronunciation with "buttress". The correct term is "buttress", referring to a structural support.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing a buttress with a similar-sounding word, "butteress".

Explanation:

"Butteress" is not a valid term, and confusion might arise due to its similarity in pronunciation with "buttress". The correct term is "buttress", referring to a structural support.