• 円柱えんちゅう — cylindrical column
• 支柱しちゅう — support post
• 角柱かくちゅう — rectangular prism
• 鉄柱てっちゅう — iron pillar
• 大黒柱だいこくばしら — mainstay, family breadwinner

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The character 柱 combines 木 (tree/wood) with 主 (main, master), suggesting a main piece of wood — a central support post. It often appears in construction-related words, as well as metaphorical contexts for leadership or foundation.

この柱はしらは家いえの中心ちゅうしんを支ささえています。
This pillar supports the center of the house.

チームの柱はしらとして活躍かつやくしています。
They play a key role as a pillar of the team.