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Pier vs Pilaster - What's the difference?

pier | pilaster |

In architecture terms the difference between pier and pilaster

is that pier is a rectangular pillar, or similar structure, that supports an arch, wall or roof while pilaster is a rectangular column that projects partially from the wall to which it attached; it gives the appearance of a support, but is only for decoration.

As nouns the difference between pier and pilaster

is that pier is a raised platform built from the shore out over water, supported on piles; used to secure, or provide access to shipping; a jetty while pilaster is a rectangular column that projects partially from the wall to which it attached; it gives the appearance of a support, but is only for decoration.

pier

English

(wikipedia pier)

Noun

(en noun)
  • A raised platform built from the shore out over water, supported on piles; used to secure, or provide access to shipping; a jetty.
  • A similar structure, especially at a seaside resort, used to provide entertainment.
  • (US, nautical) A structure that projects tangentially from the shoreline to accommodate ships; often double-sided.
  • A structure supporting the junction between two spans of a bridge.
  • (architecture) A rectangular pillar, or similar structure, that supports an arch, wall or roof.

    • Derived terms

    * abutment pier * pier glass * pierlike * pier table

    See also

    * jetty * mole * wharf

    Anagrams

    * * ----

    pilaster

    English

    (wikipedia pilaster)

    Alternative forms

    * pilastre (obsolete)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (architecture) A rectangular column that projects partially from the wall to which it attached; it gives the appearance of a support, but is only for decoration.

    • Anagrams

    *