You searched for: “pillars
pillar (s) (noun), pillars (pl)
1. A vertical column that is part of a building or some other structure and which can be either a support or a decoration.
2. A tall cylindrical vertical upright that is used to support a structure or a vertical structure standing alone and not supporting anything; such as, a monument.
3. A mainstay of an organization or society who is important and respected within a group: "Mike was a pillar of his church."
4. A basic fact, idea, or principle of something: "Henry's idea was the central pillar of the theory that the right to vote is a pillar of democracy."
5. Something which rises into the air in a tall, thin shape: "Leone could see pillars of smoke going up from the factory as she stood on a pillar of stone."
6. Etymology: from Old French piler; from Medieval Latin (about 700 to about 1500) pilare; from Latin pila, "pillar, stone barrier".

The figurative sense of "a prop" or "a support of an institution or community" is first recorded in the early 14th century.

This entry is located in the following unit: pil- (page 1)
Word Entries containing the term: “pillars
pillar of strength (s) (noun), pillars of strength (pl)
Something, someone, or those who give support to or help during a difficult time or times: "William's church was his pillar of strength after his wife died."

"Mildred's friends were her pillars of strength when she was medically diagnosed as having incurable cancer."

This entry is located in the following unit: pil- (page 1)