abutment

n. structure that supports an arch or vault (as on a bridge); place where two adjoining structures come in contact, juncture; (Dentistry) teeth located on either side of a missing tooth; (Dentistry) tooth or root that serve as anchoring for a permanent or a removable dental prosthesis

An abutment is an end support of a bridge superstructure. Abutments are used for the following purposes:to transmit the reaction of superstructure to the foundations.to retain the earth filling.to connect the superstructure to the approach roads.An abutment is also, generally, the point where two structures or objects meet.Specifically, an abutment may be:the part of a structure that supports an arch.the tooth or teeth that support a fixed or removable bridge. It can be used between an implant and the crown.
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Abutment /abut·ment/ a supporting structure to sustain lateral or horizontal pressure, as the anchorage tooth for a fixed or removable partial [more]Abutment - Community and Resources

Noun
1. point of contact between two objects or parts
(hypernym) point
(derivation) border, adjoin, edge, abut, march, butt, butt against, butt on
2. a masonry support that touches and directly receives thrust or pressure of an arch or bridge
(hypernym) support

(n.)
The solid part of a pier or wall, etc., which receives the thrust or lateral pressure of an arch, vault, or strut.
  

(n.)
That on or against which a body abuts or presses
  

(n.)
State of abutting.
  

(n.)
In breech-loading firearms, the block behind the barrel which receives the pressure due to recoil.
  

(n.)
A fixed point or surface from which resistance or reaction is obtained, as the cylinder head of a steam engine, the fulcrum of a lever, etc.