Mortars

Mortars are stout, usually metal, receptacles designed to contain and launch explosive projectiles, historically associated with siege warfare. They are typically short-barreled and fire projectiles at a high angle, lobbing them over obstacles. Modern mortars come in various sizes and calibers and are used extensively in military operations for indirect fire support, providing crucial firepower to ground troops with high-explosive or other specialized ammunition. They can also refer to a container in which substances are ground with a pestle.

Mortars meaning with examples

• During the siege, the enemy relentlessly bombarded the castle with mortars. Explosions from the high-angle fire rained destruction on the walls, making defense extremely difficult. The defenders took cover in the cellars as mortar shells detonated across the courtyard. The constant barrage caused significant damage and casualties.
• The forward observer directed the mortar team to target the enemy's entrenched positions. After calculations were made, the mortar crews began loading and firing their tubes. The projectiles arced high above the battlefield, exploding on impact and suppressing the enemy fire. mortars were extremely effective.
• In a laboratory, a chemist carefully ground the chemicals together using a mortar and pestle. Precise mixing was crucial for the successful synthesis of the new compound, which needed precise measurements. The smooth, consistent texture of the mixture was essential for the desired reaction to take place within the laboratory environment.
• After mixing the spices in the mortar with the pestle, the chef added herbs. He carefully ground them to create the perfect balance of flavors for the sauce. The mortar and pestle are preferred to a blender in some culinary situations. The process ensures a richer flavour.