co
lumn
Plural
columns
1
a vertical structural element, often made of stone, that supports the weight of the building above it
A column is a tall, vertical structure used to support a building or other structures. It is often round or square in shape and made of materials like stone, wood, metal, or concrete. Columns are commonly found in architecture, especially in classical designs, where they are used to hold up roofs, porches, or ceilings. They can be decorative as well as functional, sometimes featuring detailed carvings or capitals at the top. Columns are important elements in many buildings, giving them stability while adding aesthetic appeal.
- The ancient Greek temples are known for their majestic columns.
- The Roman architecture featured grand columns supporting large arches.
- The interior of the cathedral was adorned with ornate columns carved from marble.
- The architect designed the modern office building with sleek, minimalist columns.
- The museum's entrance was framed by towering columns, adding to its grandeur.
Synonyms:
2
a section of a newspaper or magazine that regularly publishes articles about a particular subject
A column is a regular feature in a newspaper, magazine, or online publication, written by a particular author or journalist. It offers commentary, analysis, or personal opinions on a specific subject, such as politics, sports, culture, or lifestyle. Columns are often published at consistent intervals, such as weekly or monthly, and they provide readers with the author's perspective or insight on current events or ongoing issues. The tone of a column can vary, from informative to humorous, depending on the writer’s style and the publication’s audience.
- The sports column provides updates and commentary on local teams.
- Her column focuses on tips for healthy living.
- The magazine’s fashion column reviews the latest trends.
- He writes a column about technology every month.
- Each week, the newspaper features a political column by a well-known journalist.
Synonyms:
3
an arrangement of a set of figures or information in a vertical way
- The column labeled "Revenue" showed the company's earnings for each quarter.
- Add the numbers in the rightmost column to calculate the total.
- The spreadsheet has a column for dates and another for expenses.
- In the periodic table, elements in the same column share similar chemical properties.
4
a line of units, people, or items arranged one after another
- Soldiers marched in a column.
- A column of ants carried food to their nest.
- The parade moved in a long column down the street.
- Vehicles formed a column behind the bus.
- The rescue team advanced in a column.
5
a vertical glass tube used in column chromatography, where a mixture is poured in the top and components are separated through adsorption
- The chemist prepared a column for the separation of compounds.
- Colored bands appeared in the chromatography column.
- The mixture was poured carefully into the column.
- Column chromatography relies on the stationary phase in the column.
- She collected the fractions from the column.
Synonyms:
6
any object or structure that resembles the shape of a tall cylinder or tower
- Smoke rose in a column from the chimney.
- The cake had a central column of chocolate.
- A column of light pierced the fog.
- Sand dunes sometimes form natural columns.
- Steam formed a white column above the geyser.
7
a freestanding vertical cylindrical structure, such as a monument, not supporting anything
- The victory column commemorates the battle.
- Tourists visited the tall stone column in the plaza.
- A marble column stands at the park entrance.
- The column was inscribed with the hero's name.
- Soldiers marched around the ceremonial column.
Synonyms:
8
any tubular or pillar-like structure in the human or animal body
- The vertebral column supports the body's weight.
- Muscle fibers run along the column of the limb.
- Columnar cells are found in the lining of the stomach.
- Blood flows through column-like vessels.
- Cartilage forms a column in the spinal region.
9
a vertical division of text or a page layout
- Text in the left column explains the chart.
- She formatted the document into two columns.
- The magazine article spans four columns.
- Columns make reading easier on large pages.
- Each column contains a separate story.