buttress
noun
but·tress
| \ ˈbə-trəs
\
\
Definition of buttress
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
architecture
: a projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a wall or building
2
: something that resembles a buttress: such as
a
: a projecting part of a mountain or hill
c
botany
: the broadened base of a tree trunk or a thickened vertical part of it
3
: something that supports or strengthens
a buttress of the cause of peace
buttress
verb
buttressed;
buttressing;
buttresses
Definition of buttress (Entry 2 of 2)
architecture
: to give support or stability to (a wall or building) with a projecting structure of masonry or wood : to furnish or shore up with a buttress (see buttress entry 1 sense 1)
also
: support, strengthen
arguments buttressed by solid facts