tower: Meaning and Definition of

tow•er

Pronunciation: (tou'ur), [key]
— n.
  1. a building or structure high in proportion to its lateral dimensions, either isolated or forming part of a building.
  2. such a structure used as or intended for a stronghold, fortress, prison, etc.
  3. any of various fully enclosed fireproof housings for vertical communications, as staircases, between the stories of a building.
  4. any structure, contrivance, or object that resembles or suggests a tower.
  5. a tall, movable structure used in ancient and medieval warfare in storming a fortified place.
  6. a vertical case designed to house a computer system standing on the floor.
  7. See control tower.
  8. a person who can be relied on for support, aid, or comfort, esp. in times of difficulty.
—v.i.
  1. to rise or extend far upward, as a tower; reach or stand high: The skyscraper towers above the city.
  2. to rise above or surpass others: She towers above the other students.
  3. (of a hawk) to rise straight into the air; to ring up.

tow•er

Pronunciation: (tō'ur), [key]
— n.
  1. a person or thing that tows.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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