I. ˈtau̇(-ə)r 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
1. : 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 tower)
2. : a towering citadel : fortress
3. : one that provides support or protection : bulwark
a tower of strength
4. : a personal computer case that stands in an upright position
• tow·ered ˈtau̇(-ə)rd adjective
• tow·er·like ˈtau̇(-ə)r-ˌlīk adjective
II. intransitive verb
Date: 15th century
1. : to reach or rise to a great height
2. : to exhibit superior qualities : surpass
her intellect tower ed over the others'