(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
A ~ is a tall, often decorated cylinder of stone which is built to honour someone or forms part of a building.
...a London landmark, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square.
= pillar
N-COUNT
2.
A ~ is something that has a tall narrow shape.
The explosion sent a ~ of smoke thousands of feet into the air.
N-COUNT: usu N of n
3.
A ~ is a group of people or animals which moves in a long line.
There were reports of ~s of military vehicles appearing on the streets.
N-COUNT: usu N of n
4.
On a printed page such as a page of a dictionary, newspaper, or printed chart, a ~ is one of two or more vertical sections which are read downwards.
We had stupidly been looking at the wrong ~ of figures...
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5.
In a newspaper or magazine, a ~ is a section that is always written by the same person or is always about the same topic.
She also writes a regular ~ for the Times Educational Supplement.
N-COUNT: usu supp N
6.
see also agony ~ , gossip ~ , personal ~ , spinal ~ , steering ~