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mortar1

Pronunciation: /ˈmɔːtə/

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Definition of mortar

noun

1a short smooth-bore gun for firing shells (technically called bombs) at high angles: mortars and machine guns [as modifier]:nine civilians died in a horrific mortar attack
a device used for firing a lifeline or firework.

2a cup-shaped receptacle in which ingredients are crushed or ground, used in cooking or pharmacy:a pestle and mortar

verb

[with object]

attack or bombard with a mortar: the Commando positions were being heavily mortared (as noun mortaring)at first light the mortaring and sniping started

Origin:

late Old English (in mortar¹ (sense 2 of the noun)), from Old French mortier, from Latin mortarium (to which the English spelling was later assimilated)

mortar in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of mortar in the US English dictionary

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