column-n; 7 Senses

Sense Number 1: a moving single-file configuration of a large military unit

Commentary: COLUMN[+arrangement][+moving][+single_file][+military]

Examples:
They rode at the head of the troop column.
There are reports of tank columns advancing on our 2nd battalion.
They suspect the New York group may be a fifth column for an overseas terrorist network. (sympathizers, saboteurs)

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: an architectural component, a vertical support structure

Commentary: COLUMN[+structure][+component][+vertical][+tall] [+role][+architecture][+support][+structural]

Examples:
Corinthian columns support the portico above the veranda of the old mansion.
The truck hit a load-bearing column in the parking garage.
Many of the building's columns were knocked down during the earthquake.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 7

Sense Number 3: anything with a long cylindrical form

Commentary: COLUMN[+form][+shape][+cylindrical][+long]

Examples:
We could see a column of smoke rising from the chimney of the cottage.
The x-ray shows an injury to the spinal column.
This steering column is designed to collapse during impact.
Towering columns of storm clouds were gathering in the distance.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4, 5

Sense Number 4: a regular feature, or piece, in a newspaper

Commentary: COLUMN[+writing][+article][+newspaper][+regular]

Examples:
She writes a political column for the local newspaper.
Sally always reads the gossip columns.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5

Sense Number 5: a static vertical layout, e.g. text or numbers

Commentary: COLUMN[+arrangement][-moving][+layout][+vertical]

Examples:
John used a calculator to add up the long column of numbers.
This newspaper sells space in four-inch columns.
The wide boulevard was lined with columns of trees. (long narrow arrangement of trees)
The shell script reported a bug on line sixteen, column four of the file.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 6: a glass tube used in chromatography

Commentary: COLUMN[+artifact][+tube][+glass]

Examples:
The assistant dropped a chromatography column on the laboratory floor.
What is the substance contained in those two columns?

Mappings:

Sense Number 7: none of the above

Commentary: Automatically generated NOTA sense (bbn)

Examples:

Mappings: