Mortar

A mortar is a bowl-shaped vessel used together with a pestle to grind, crush, or mix substances. Traditionally made from hard stone such as granite or marble, but also ceramic or metal, mortars and pestles are common in kitchens and apothecaries. The grinding process releases essential oils and flavors and can produce a finer or coarser powder depending on technique and material.

Mortar in construction is a paste used to bind bricks, stones, or other masonry units. It combines a binder (such as cement, lime, or lime-putty), aggregate (sand), and water. The properties of mortar—workability, bonding strength, and shrinkage—depend on the binder type, proportions, and climate. Mortars vary from traditional lime mortars used in heritage buildings to modern cementitious mortars.

A mortar is also a light, portable indirect-fire weapon that fires explosive projectiles at high angles. It comprises a tube (barrel), a baseplate, and a bipod or trail; rounds, called mortar bombs, are dropped into the tube and propelled by an explosive charge. Common infantry calibers include 60 mm, 81 mm, and 120 mm. Mortars are valued for simplicity, cost, and the ability to deliver area fire without line-of-sight, but have limitations in range, accuracy, and protection for the crew.

The word 'mortar' derives from Middle English mortere, from Old French mortier, and ultimately from Latin mortarium meaning grinding vessel.