pillar

(noun) a fundamental principle or practice. Example: "Science eroded the pillars of superstition."

(noun) anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower. Synonyms: column, tower. Examples: "The test tube held a column of white powder." "A tower of dust rose above the horizon." "A thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite."

(noun) a prominent supporter. Synonyms: mainstay. Example: "He is a pillar of the community."

(noun) a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument). Synonyms: column.

(noun) (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure. Synonyms: column.