Definition

A substance used in construction to bind bricks or stones together, often made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. It can also refer to a bowl used with a pestle to grind substances.

Example

The builder mixed the mortar to ensure the bricks would hold together firmly.

Conversation

I saw a really interesting video about how to mix mortar for bricklaying.

Oh, that sounds cool! I've always wondered how they do that.

Yeah, they showed how to get the right consistency for the mortar.

I might need to try that for my DIY project this weekend!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To use a type of explosive weapon that fires shells, or to apply a mixture used in construction to bind materials together.

Example

The army decided to mortar the enemy's position to weaken their defenses.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how they mortar the bricks together in that video?

Yeah, it looked really strong and durable!

I wonder if I could mortar my garden wall myself.

Root Explanation

Mortar → It originates from Latin 'mortarium' (meaning a vessel for grinding) and is related to 'mors' (meaning death), as it was used to mix substances that harden and set, akin to the finality of death. The word refers to a mixture used in construction to bind bricks or stones together.

Memory Tip

Think of a vessel ('mortarium') used for grinding materials that 'set' like the finality of death, which helps you remember that mortar is a binding mixture in construction.

Visually Confused Words