Definition of: column

(kol′əm) noun
1. Archit. A vertical shaft or pillar, usually having a base and a capital, and primarily for the support of superincumbent weight.
2. Any object or structure resembling a column in form position, or use: the spinal column; a column of vapor.
3. Printing A vertical series of lines, separated from adjoining columns by a rule or a blank space.
4. Mil. A unit of troops in single file, or formed several lines abreast.
5. Naut. A fleet of ships in single file.
6. A department of a newspaper in which a special writer presents a daily article of contemporary comment. See synonyms under PROCESSION. [<L columna]
—col·umned (kol′·əmd) adjective
ROMAN COLUMN WITH ENTABLATURE (a.-c.)
a. Cornice.
b. Frieze.
c. Architrave.
d. Capital (in Corinthian style)
e. Astragal.
f. Shaft.
g. Base.
From the Pantheon, Rome