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mortar

[ˈmɔːtə(r)]

mortar Definition

  • 1a mixture of sand, water, and cement or lime that is used to fix bricks or stones together when building walls
  • 2a bowl-shaped container made of hard material, in which substances are crushed with a pestle

Using mortar: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mortar" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The mason used mortar to hold the bricks together.

  • Example

    She ground the spices in a mortar and pestle.

  • Example

    The old walls were crumbling and needed to be repointed with fresh mortar.

mortar Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for mortar

Phrases with mortar

  • a hat with a flat square top and a tassel worn by graduates on formal occasions

    Example

    She proudly wore her mortarboard at her college graduation ceremony.

  • a phrase used to describe something that is solid, reliable, and long-lasting

    Example

    Their relationship was built on a foundation of mortar and brick, and they have been happily married for 50 years.

  • the use of mortars as a weapon in military combat

    Example

    The soldiers took cover from the incoming mortar fire.

Origins of mortar

from Old French 'mortier', meaning 'builder's mortar; bowl for mixing'

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Summary: mortar in Brief

The term 'mortar' [ˈmɔːtə(r)] refers to a mixture of sand, water, and cement or lime used to fix bricks or stones together when building walls, or a bowl-shaped container used to crush substances with a pestle. It can also refer to a mortarboard, a hat worn by graduates, or be used in phrases like 'mortar and brick,' denoting something solid and reliable.

How do native speakers use this expression?