TOWER

I. noun Etymology: Middle English tour, tor, from Old English torr & Anglo-French tur, tour, both from Latin turris, from Greek tyrris, tyrsis Date: before 12th century a building or structure typically higher than its diameter and high relative to its surroundings that may stand apart (as a campanile) or be attached (as a church belfry) to a larger structure and that may be fully walled in or of skeleton framework (as an observation or transmission ~), a ~ing citadel ; fortress , one that provides support or protection ; bulwark , a personal computer case that stands in an upright position, ~ed adjective ~like adjective II. intransitive verb Date: 15th century to reach or rise to a great height, to exhibit superior qualities ; surpass