mortar

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A paste of cement, sand and water that holds bricks or stones together as it dries.

   The builder spread mortar between the bricks to hold them in place.

2. 2
   noun

   A hard bowl in which you crush and grind things like spices using a small heavy stick called a pestle.

   She ground the garlic and herbs in a mortar with a pestle.

3. 3
   noun

   A short, heavy gun that fires shells high into the air over a short distance.

   The soldiers fired a mortar over the enemy lines.

4. 4
   verb

   To attack a place or person with a mortar gun.

   The insurgents mortared the base during the night.

From Middle English morter, from Old French mortier, from Latin mortārium. Doublet of mortarium.

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