Dictionary
1mortar
noun mor·tar \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
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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
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
3mortar
verb
Definition of MORTAR
transitive verb
: to plaster or make fast with mortar
First Known Use of MORTAR
14th century
MORTAR Defined for Kids
1mortar
noun mor·tar \ˈmȯr-tər\
Definition of MORTAR for Kids
1
: a strong deep bowl in which substances are pounded or crushed with a pestle
2
: a short light cannon used to shoot shells high into the air
2mortar
noun
Definition of MORTAR for Kids
: a building material made of lime and cement mixed with sand and water that is spread between bricks or stones so as to hold them together when it hardens
Medical Dictionary
mortar
noun mor·tar \ˈmȯrt-ər\
Medical Definition of MORTAR
: a strong vessel in which material is pounded or rubbed with a pestle
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