Abutment

[ə'bʌtm(ə)nt] or [ə'bʌtmənt]

(noun.) a masonry support that touches and directly receives thrust or pressure of an arch or bridge.

(noun.) point of contact between two objects or parts.

Edited by Glenn--From WordNet

(n.) State of abutting.

(n.) That on or against which a body abuts or presses

(n.) The solid part of a pier or wall, etc., which receives the thrust or lateral pressure of an arch, vault, or strut.

(n.) A fixed point or surface from which resistance or reaction is obtained, as the cylinder head of a steam engine, the fulcrum of a lever, etc.

(n.) In breech-loading firearms, the block behind the barrel which receives the pressure due to recoil.

Editor: Philip

Editor: Ned