Mortar

Mortar (weapon)

A mortar today is usually a simple, lightweight, man-portable, muzzle-loaded cannon consisting of a smooth-bore metal tube fixed to a base plate with a lightweight bipod mount and a sight. Mortars are typically used as indirect fire weapons for close fire support with a variety of ammunition. Historically, mortars were heavy siege artillery. Mortars launch explosive shells in high arching ballistic trajectories.

Mortar (masonry)

Mortar is a workable paste which hardens to bind building blocks such as stones, bricks, and concrete masonry units, to fill and seal the irregular gaps between them, spread the weight of them evenly, and sometimes to add decorative colours or patterns to masonry walls. In its broadest sense, mortar includes pitch, asphalt, and soft clay, as those used between bricks, as well as cement mortar. The word "mortar" comes from the Old French word mortier, "builder's mortar, plaster; bowl for mixing." (13c.).

mortar

Noun

1. A mixture of lime or cement, sand and water used for bonding building blocks.
2. A hollow vessel used to pound, crush, rub, grind or mix ingredients with a pestle.

Verb

1. To use mortar or plaster to join two things together.
2. To pound in a mortar.