Pillar vs. Pier

Pillarnoun

(architecture) A large post, often used as supporting architecture.

Pillarnoun

Something resembling such a structure.

Pillarnoun

(figuratively) An essential part of something that provides support.

Pillarnoun

(Roman Catholic) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.

Pillarnoun

The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.

Pillarverb

To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars.

Pillarnoun

The general and popular term for a firm, upright, insulated support for a superstructure; a pier, column, or post; also, a column or shaft not supporting a superstructure, as one erected for a monument or an ornament.

Pillarnoun

Figuratively, that which resembles such a pillar in appearance, character, or office; a supporter or mainstay; as, the Pillars of Hercules; a pillar of the state.

Pillarnoun

A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.

Pillarnoun

The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.

Pillaradjective

Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.

Pillarnoun

a fundamental principle or practice;

Pillarnoun

anything tall and thin approximating the shape of a column or tower;

Pillarnoun

a prominent supporter;

Pillarnoun

a vertical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (as a monument or a column of air)

Pillarnoun

(architeture) a tall cylindrical vertical upright and used to support a structure

Piernoun

A raised platform built from the shore out over water, supported on piles; used to secure, or provide access to shipping; a jetty.

Piernoun

A similar structure, especially at a seaside resort, used to provide entertainment.

Piernoun

A structure that projects tangentially from the shoreline to accommodate ships; often double-sided.

Piernoun

A structure supporting the junction between two spans of a bridge.

Piernoun

(architecture) A rectangular pillar, or similar structure, that supports an arch, wall or roof.

Piernoun

Any detached mass of masonry, whether insulated or supporting one side of an arch or lintel, as of a bridge; the piece of wall between two openings.

Piernoun

A projecting wharf or landing place.

Piernoun

a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats

Piernoun

(architecture) a vertical supporting structure (as a portion of wall between two doors or windows)

Piernoun

a support for two adjacent bridge spans

Pier

A pier is a raised structure that rises above a body of water and usually juts out from its shore, typically supported by piles or pillars, and provides above-water access to offshore areas. Frequent pier uses include fishing, boat docking and access for both passengers and cargo, and oceanside recreation.