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Martello

Syllabification: (Mar·tel·lo)

Pronunciation: /märˈtelō/

(also Martello tower)

Definition of Martello

noun (plural Martellos)

any of numerous small circular forts that were erected for defense purposes along the southeast coasts of England during the Napoleonic Wars.

Origin:

alteration (by association with Italian martello 'hammer') of Cape Mortella in Corsica, where such a tower proved difficult for the English to capture in 1794