Defn: A number of ships so arranged as to follow one another in single or double file or in squadrons; — in distinction from "line", where they are side by side.
5. (Print.)
Defn: A perpendicular set of lines, not extending across the page, and separated from other matter by a rule or blank space; as, a column in a newspaper.
6. (Arith.)
Defn: A perpendicular line of figures.
7. (Bot.)
Defn: The body formed by the union of the stamens in the Mallow family, or of the stamens and pistil in the orchids. Attached column. See under Attach, v. t. — Clustered column. See under Cluster, v. t. — Column rule, a thin strip of brass separating columns of type in the form, and making a line between them in printing.
COLUMNAR
Co*lum"*nar, a. Etym: [L. columnaris, fr. columna.]
Defn: Formed in columns; having the form of a column or columns; like the shaft of a column. Columnar epithelium (Anat.), epithelium in which the cells are priismatic in form, and set upright on the surface they cover. — Columnar structure (Geol.), a structure consisting of more or less regular columns, usually six-sided, but sometimes with eight or more sides. The columns are often fractured transversely, with a cup joint, showing a concave surface above. This structure is characteristic of certain igneous rocks, as basalt, and is due to contraction in cooling.
COLUMNARITY
Col`um*nar"i*ty, n.