1. (

• pillar

) a fundamental principle or practice; "science eroded the pillars of superstition" ;

2. (

• column ,
• tower ,
• pillar

) anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower; "the test tube held a column of white powder"; "a tower of dust rose above the horizon"; "a thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite" ;

3. (

• pillar ,
• mainstay

) a prominent supporter; "he is a pillar of the community" ;

4. (

• column ,
• pillar ,

) a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument) ;

5. (

• column ,
• pillar

) (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure ;