pier

 
Pronunciation: /pɪə/

noun

  • 1a platform on pillars projecting from the shore into the sea, typically incorporating entertainment arcades and places to eat.
  • a structure projecting from the shore into a river, lake, or the sea, used as a landing stage for boats.
  • a breakwater or mole.
  • 2British a long, narrow structure projecting from an airport terminal, giving passengers access to an aircraft.
  • 3a solid support designed to sustain vertical pressure, in particular:
  • the pillar of an arch or supporting a bridge.
  • a wall between windows or other adjacent openings.

Origin:

Middle English: from medieval Latin pera, of unknown origin