̈ɪˈmɔ:tə n. & v. --n. 1 a
mixture of lime
with cement,
sand,
and water, used in
building to
bond bricks or stones. 2 a
short large-bore
cannon for firing shells at
high angles. 3 a
contrivance for firing a
lifeline or
firework. 4 a
vessel made of
hard material, in
which ingredients are pounded with a
pestle. --v.tr. 1
plaster or
join with mortar. 2
attack or
bombard with mortar shells. øømortarless adj. (in
sense 1). mortary adj. (in sense 1). [ME f. AF morter, OF mortier f. L mortarium:
partly from LG]