pier

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
pier/pɪə(r)/

▶noun

• 1 a structure leading out to sea and used as a landing stage for boats or as a place of entertainment.

  ■ a breakwater or mole.

• 2 Brit. a long, narrow structure projecting from an airport terminal and giving access to an aircraft.

• 3 the pillar of an arch or one supporting a bridge.

  ■ a wall between windows or other adjacent openings.

– origin ME: from med. L. pera, of unknown origin.