pier

Meaning

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.
• A structure supporting the junction between two spans of a bridge.
• A rectangular pillar, or similar structure, that supports an arch, wall or roof, or the hinges of a gate.

Origin

• Image:Central Pier 9.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Night Scene of Pier 9, Central Piers, Hong Kong
• Image:A pier at a campsite during sunset, Sidney Spit (part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve), Sidney Island, British Columbia, Canada 20.jpg|A small pier at a campsite in Canada|thumb|right
• From Middle English pere, from Medieval Latin pera, from Old Northern French pira ("breakwater"), from Vulgar Latin *petricus, from Latin petra.