Mortar

Binder used in construction.

cement mortar

Mortar is a pale grey or white material used in construction as a binder for bricks, stones, or tiles. It is typically made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water.

Pronunciation

/ˈmɔːtər/

Etymology

From Old French morter 'to crush,' from Vulgar Latin mortarium 'mortar' (a vessel for crushing), from Latin mortuarius 'of death,' from mortuus 'dead.'

Explain Like I’m 5

Mortar is like a glue that holds bricks or stones together in buildings, making sure they don't fall apart.

Fun Facts

The word 'mortar' comes from the Latin word 'mortarium', meaning a vessel for crushing
Roman mortar was sometimes made with volcanic ash, making it incredibly strong
Lime mortar is often preferred over cement-based mortar in historic buildings

FAQ

What is mortar? It's a binder used in masonry construction
What is it made of? Typically, it consists of cement, sand, and water
Why is it used? It fills gaps between building blocks and provides stability

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

cement grout

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

construction material building material

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

lime mortar cement mortar

Meronyms — Parts or Components

cement sand water

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

brickwork stonework tiling

Indexes

construction material

Built by Tim Jones