appuis

Appui is a French noun whose plural is appuis. It designates a support, a base, or a point of contact that provides stability, support, or backing. The term is used across disciplines to indicate both physical and metaphorical forms of support. The verb from which it derives is appuyer, meaning to rest against, to lean on, or to back a person or proposal.

In architecture and engineering, an appui refers to a bearing point or supporting element that carries load. This can include the base of a column, a window sill, a ledge, or any surface that transfers weight to a substrate. In this sense, appuis are often specified to ensure stability and safety, and their placement is part of structural design.

In biomechanics and ergonomics, appui denotes the area of contact between the body and a surface, such as the foot’s contact with the ground during standing or walking. Analyzing the distribution and timing of these appuis is important in fields like gait analysis, sports science, and rehabilitation.

In politics and social discourse, appui means support or backing for a person, policy, or idea. Expressions such as obtenir des appuis or rallier les appuis describe garnering allies, endorsements, or public approval.

Other uses include references to supporting elements in sculpture or decorative arts, as well as more general phrases about providing backing to efforts or institutions. See also appuyer for related verbal forms.