Columnar

Columnar, in its broadest sense, describes something that is shaped like a column, typically tall, cylindrical, and with parallel sides. It can refer to physical structures like buildings or rock formations, or it can describe biological structures like cells or trees. The term emphasizes a vertical, upright orientation and a degree of uniformity in the structure's overall shape. Further, the word might encompass anything with a tall and narrow, column-like appearance, offering a visual of substantial height coupled with a relatively small diameter or cross-sectional area. The term commonly indicates structural strength or stability because of its configuration.

Columnar meaning with examples

• The ancient ruins showcased impressive columnar architecture, with towering pillars supporting the remnants of the temple roof. This illustrated the power and sophistication of the civilization that built it.
• Geologists studied the columnar basalt formations created by ancient volcanic activity, finding that each column was a testimony to the lava's slow cooling process.
• The pathologist examined the lung tissue, noting the unusual organization of the columnar epithelial cells, which was unusual for this area and suggested some form of ailment.
• Botanists were fascinated by the columnar growth pattern of the Saguaro cactus, perfectly adapted to conserving water in its arid desert environment, showing its life cycles.
• The artist decided to paint a series of abstract works, emphasizing columnar shapes and vertical lines, using light and shadow for the effect.