embrasure

noun

em·​bra·​sure im-ˈbrā-zhər 

1

: an opening with sides flaring outward in a wall or parapet of a fortification usually for allowing the firing of cannon

2

: a recess of a door or window

Illustration of embrasure

• E embrasure 2

Examples of embrasure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There were openings in the upper walls, accessible to the men on the ramparts, called embrasures, through which archers could shoot. — William Gurstelle, Popular Mechanics, 11 Apr. 2019

Word History

Etymology

French, from obsolete embraser to widen an opening

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for embrasure

• erasure

Kids Definition

embrasure

noun

em·​bra·​sure im-ˈbrā-zhər 

1

: an opening with sides slanting outward in a wall or parapet for the firing of cannon

2

: an opening in a wall for a door or window

Medical Definition

embrasure

noun

em·​bra·​sure im-ˈbrā-zhər 

: the sloped valley between adjacent teeth