pier
UK[pɪə(r)]US[pɪr]
n
a structure built out into the sea, a lake, or a river, used by boats for landing on and often with places of entertainment on it
n
a thick stone, metal, or wooden post that is used to support something, such as the roof of a building or a bridge
Etymology
the word 'pier' entered english from the anglo-norman and middle english 'pere', which itself came from the medieval latin 'pera', denoting a breakwater or a supporting pillar. this latin term is believed to be of uncertain origin, though some connect it to the latin 'petra' (rock) or a pre-latin mediterranean source. the core concept of a solid, supportive structure transitioned from its early use for a masonry support or a breakwater to its modern maritime sense of a landing stage projecting over water, often supported by such pillars. this evolution reflects a shift in application from a purely functional support to a multifunctional infrastructure element for docking and recreation.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from middle english 'pere', derived from medieval latin 'pera', meaning "a supporting pillar or breakwater".
Examples
we went for a walk along the wooden pier, watching the fishing boats come in.
the old seaside town is famous for its historic pleasure pier with a theatre at the end.
engineers inspected the concrete piers that support the bridge over the river.