Buttresses are architectural structures that provide support to a wall or other structure. They are often found in Gothic architecture, where they are used to support the walls of churches and other large buildings. The term 'buttresses' can also be used to refer to any type of support structure, such as those used to shore up a riverbank or shoreline. The crossword solutions for the term 'buttresses' are AIDS (4 letters) and SHORESUP (8 letters). AIDS stands for 'Architectural Internal Defenses' and SHORESUP stands for 'Shoring Up Structures'. Both terms refer to the use of buttresses as a form of support.