mortar

¹mor·tar

noun \ˈmȯr-tər\

Definition of MORTAR

1

: a sturdy vessel in which material is pounded or rubbed with a pestle

2

[Middle French mortier]

a : a muzzle-loading cannon having a tube short in relation to its caliber that is used to throw projectiles at high angles

b : any of several similar firing devices

Illustration of MORTAR

Origin of MORTAR

Middle English morter, from Old English mortere & Anglo-French mortier, from Latin mortarium

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with MORTAR

porter, quarter, snorter, sorter, thwarter

²mortar

noun

Definition of MORTAR

: a plastic building material (as a mixture of cement, lime, or gypsum plaster with sand and water) that hardens and is used in masonry or plastering

— mor·tar·less adjective

Origin of MORTAR

Middle English morter, from Anglo-French morter, mortier, from Latin mortarium

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

Rhymes with MORTAR

porter, quarter, sorter, thwarter

³mortar

transitive verb

Definition of MORTAR

: to plaster or make fast with mortar

First Known Use of MORTAR

14th century

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

mor·tar

noun \ˈmȯrt-ər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of MORTAR

: a strong vessel in which material is pounded or rubbed with a pestle