mortar
UK: ˈmɔːtə | US: ˈmɔːrtər
n. a mixture of lime, cement, or similar materials used in building to bond bricks or stones
n. a short, smoothbore cannon for firing shells at high angles
n. a vessel in which substances are crushed or ground with a pestle
The word "mortar" traces back to Latin mortarium, meaning "bowl for grinding" or "mixture for construction." The root mort- (from Latin mors, "death") metaphorically reflects the crushing or "killing" of materials during grinding. Over time, the term expanded to include the bonding substance in masonry (from its prepared, mixed state) and later the artillery weapon (from its resemblance to the grinding vessel's shape).
The bricklayer applied mortar between the stones to secure them.
Soldiers loaded the mortar with shells for the upcoming barrage.
She ground the spices into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
Ancient Roman mortar contained volcanic ash, making it exceptionally durable.
The museum displayed a medieval mortar used in alchemical experiments.