mortar
MOR-ter
/ˈmɔːr.tər/
A workable paste of cement, fine sand, and water used to bind bricks, stones, or blocks together.
Acts as an adhesive cushion between blocks to distribute loads evenly across masonry units.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin mortarium, which originally named the heavy vessel in which crushed stone and lime were ground. Over centuries, the name of the mixing bowl transferred to the adhesive material mixed inside it.
Word relationships
- binder: A broad material term; mortar is a specific mineral compound formulated for bricklaying.
- cement paste: Cement paste lacks the fine sand particles essential to true mortar.
- solvent: A chemical agent that breaks down or dissolves materials rather than binding them.
Commonly confused with
- grout: Mortar is thick to support heavy blocks; grout is highly fluid to pour into narrow spaces.
Word family
- mortared (adjective): Joined or secured using mortar paste.
- mortarless (adjective): Constructed without using mortar binder.
Collocations
- lime mortar
- mortar joint
- mortar trowel
- mix mortar
Example sentences
- "Restorers carefully scraped away failing historic mortar before reapplying a traditional lime-based mix." Historical Restoration
- "The mason spread a smooth bed of mortar along the foundation line before setting the first row of bricks." Masonry Craft
Memory hook
MORTAR holds bricks MORE TIGHT together. Mortar = glue between bricks.
When not to use
Do not confuse with concrete, which contains coarse gravel aggregate, or grout, which flows thinly.
Fun facts
- Ancient Roman masons added volcanic ash to mortar, enabling it to set and harden underwater.
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