Meaning of column in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈkɑləm/

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  1. Noun

    column

    Etymology

    late Middle English: partly from Old French columpne, reinforced by its source, Latin columna‘pillar’

    Definitions

    1. a line of (usually military) units following one after another
  2. 2. a vertical glass tube used in column chromatography

    Examples

    • « a mixture is poured in the top and washed through a stationary substance where components of the mixture are adsorbed selectively to form colored bands »
  3. 3. a linear array of numbers one above another
  4. 4. anything tall and thin approximating the shape of a column or tower

    Examples

    • « 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 »

    Derived terms

  5. 5. an article giving opinions or perspectives

    Derived terms

  6. 6. a vertical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (as a monument or a column of air)
  7. 7. (architeture) a tall cylindrical vertical upright and used to support a structure

Famous quotes

  • « In my column series 'The Main Thing,' I often talk about how Internet technology can improve the way people communicate - both within a business and between a business and its customers and partners. »
    Jim Barksdale
  • « I think it's important that, as a matter of course, the brain and spinal column were removed from this cow, and that would be the material that would cause concern in terms of human health. And therefore we're confident in the safety of the food supply. »
    Ann Veneman
  • « One column of truth cannot hold an institution of ideas from falling into ignorance. It is wiser that a person of prudence and purpose save his strength for battles that can be won. »
    Bryant H. McGill
  • « I find interesting characters or lessons that resonate with people and sometimes I write about them in the sports pages, sometimes I write them in a column, sometimes in a novel, sometimes a play or sometimes in nonfiction. But at the core I always say to myself, 'Is there a story here? Is this something people want to read?' »
    Mitch Albom
  • « Consider the momentous event in architecture when the wall parted and the column became. »
    Louis Kahn

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