The vertical members (walls or heavy columns) which bear the load or pressure of the cross member, such as a arch, pier, or similar structure.

the ends of a bridge, also known as buttress.

Attachments on the ends of a bridge, which are cemented to the natural teeth; a tooth used for support or anchorage of a fixed or removable prosthesis.

Those portions of the valley sides which underlie and support the dam structure, and are usually also considered to include the valley sides immediately upstream and downstream from the dam.