abutment

noun9

1. •
   The solid portion of a structure that supports the lateral pressure of an arch or vault.
2. •
   A construction that supports the ends of a bridge; a structure that anchors the cables on a suspension bridge.

   • Each of the bridges consists of six separate girder spans on brick abutments. — 1959
3. •
   The part of a valley or canyon wall against which a dam is constructed.

   • Heavy rains have caused the dam's abutments to seep, raising concern over possible dam failure.
4. •
   The tooth that supports a denture or bridge.
5. •
   A fixed point or surface where resistance is obtained.

   • The fulcrum acted as an abutment.
6. •
   The point of junction between two things, in particular a support, that abuts.
7. •
   Something that abuts, or on which something abuts.
8. •
   That element that shares a common boundary or surface with its neighbor.
9. •
   The state of abutting.