pillar meaning and definition

PILLAR noun

Definition of pillar (noun)

1. a fundamental principle or practice
   • "science eroded the pillars of superstition"
2. anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
   • "the test tube held a column of white powder"; "a tower of dust rose above the horizon"; "a thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite"
   • synonyms: column, tower
3. a prominent supporter
   • "he is a pillar of the community"
   • synonyms: mainstay
4. a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)
   • synonyms: column
5. (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure
   • synonyms: column