contrefort Definition
a buttress or a similar structure built against a wall to give support and reinforce it.
Using contrefort: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "contrefort" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cathedral's walls were reinforced with contreforts.
Example
The building's contreforts prevented it from collapsing during the earthquake.
Example
The architect designed the contreforts to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
contrefort Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with contrefort
a type of buttress that is not in contact with the ground, but rather is supported by an arch or a corbel
Example
The flying contrefort was a unique feature of the Gothic architecture.
contrefort à gradins
a stepped buttress, consisting of a series of setbacks or gradins
Example
The contrefort à gradins was used in the construction of the medieval castles.
contrefort-buttress
a combination of a contrefort and a buttress, used to reinforce large walls or structures
Example
The contrefort-buttress was a common feature of the Romanesque architecture.
Origins of contrefort
from Old French 'contre' (against) + 'fort' (strong)
Summary: contrefort in Brief
'Contrefort' [kɒntrəˈfɔːt] refers to a buttress or similar structure built against a wall to provide support and reinforcement. It is commonly used in the construction of cathedrals, castles, and other large structures. Examples include 'The building's contreforts prevented it from collapsing during the earthquake.' and 'The architect designed the contreforts to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.' Phrases like 'flying contrefort' and 'contrefort à gradins' denote specific types of buttresses.
