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pier

noun

  1. raised structure in a body of water, typically supported by well-spaced piles or pillars
  2. architectural upright support for a structure or superstructure
  3. street along a river, a channel, or a lake, in an inhabited place
  4. airport
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Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /pɪə/ / /pɪː/ / /pɪjə/

noun

Etymology: Inherited from Middle English pere (“bridge pillar, breakwater”), from either Anglo-Norman pere (“stone”, from Latin petra) or Old French *piere (Old Northern French pire, from either Late Latin *petricus or pēra "satchel"); compare Medieval Latin pira.

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

    Your boat is docked at the pier.

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

    There is a gaming arcade on the pier.

    A fresh breeze comes off the water and down the pier.

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

    The force of the explosion demolished one pair of piers and two spans of the bridge crashed down into the river on top of the barges.

  4. A rectangular pillar, or similar structure, that supports an arch, wall or roof, or the hinges of a gate.
  5. A long corridor-like building with multiple gates extending from an airport terminal.

    The new £216m pier will be used by all airlines currently operating out of T2, with more and more flights gradually moving over to the new pier once it becomes fully operational.