column
UK: ˈkɒləm | US: ˈkɑːləm
n. a vertical structural support, often cylindrical in shape
n. a regular section or feature in a newspaper or magazine
n. a line of people or objects arranged one behind another
The word "column" traces back to Latin columna, derived from columen (meaning "peak" or "hill"), which metaphorically evolved to describe a tall, pillar-like structure. The Latin root col- suggests height or prominence, aligning with the word’s modern architectural and figurative uses (e.g., newspaper columns as "pillars" of information). The suffix -um standardizes it as a noun.
The ancient temple was supported by massive marble columns.
She writes a weekly column for the local newspaper.
A long column of soldiers marched through the town.
The data was organized into a neat column in the spreadsheet.
His opinion column often sparks lively debates.