mortar — a mixture of cement, sand, and water used to bind bricks or stones in building
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a mixture of cement, sand, and water used to bind bricks or stones in building
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɔːrtər/
Example Sentences
- The chef used a marble mortar to grind peppercorns, but it was so loud the neighbors thought someone was using a construction mortar!
- The old brick wall was held together by crumbling mortar that needed urgent repair.
- Online shopping is convenient, but many people still prefer the brick-and-mortar shopping experience.
mortar
NOUN[/ˈmɔːrtər/]
a mixture of cement, sand, and water used to bind bricks or stones in building
The mason spreads thick mortar between bricks to build a sturdy wall.
Father and daughter mix mortar with water!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin mortarium, originally denoting a vessel or bowl used for grinding food and medicinal substances. The term later extended metaphorically to refer to similar-shaped materials in construction (binding cement) and military weaponry (a short-barreled cannon).
Breakdown
Latin mortarium (mortar, grinding vessel) → English mortar. The root likely relates to Latin mortum (crushed, ground), reflecting the tool's grinding function.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The chef used a marble mortar to grind peppercorns, but it was so loud the neighbors thought someone was using a construction mortar!”
“The old brick wall was held together by crumbling mortar that needed urgent repair.”
“Online shopping is convenient, but many people still prefer the brick-and-mortar shopping experience.”
“The military unit set up mortar positions on the hilltop for tactical advantage.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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