Definition of: abutment

(ə·but′mənt) noun
1. The act of abutting.
2. That which abuts, or the place which is abutted upon.
3. A supporting or buttressing structure, as at the end of a bridge or wall; also, that part of an arch that takes the thrust or strain. For illustration see ARCH.
4. Mil. The block at the rear end of a gun that receives the rearward pressure of explosion or detonation.