column
English meaning: Column
Definition
A solid upright structure designed usually to support a larger structure above it, such as a roof or horizontal beam, but sometimes for decoration.
Example
“Marble columns lined the front of the ancient temple.”
Another example: “She writes a weekly advice column for the local newspaper.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Used architecturally (a supporting pillar), in print/tables (a vertical section of text or a regular newspaper feature), and figuratively ('a column of smoke', 'a column of soldiers'). Neutral register across many fields.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'columna' 'pillar', via Old French 'colombe'; in English from the 15th century.
Related Words
- alphabetical
- chromatography
- click
- columns
- page
- matrix
- syndicated
- columnist
- vector
- rows
Common Collocations
- supporting column
- newspaper column
- spinal column
- column of smoke
- advice column
Word Forms
column (n); columns; columnist (n); columnar (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B