mortier

Mortier refers to several related concepts in masonry, cooking, and military terminology. In construction, mortar is a pasty binding material used to join bricks, stones, or tiles. It typically consists of a binder (cementitious material or lime), aggregate (sand), and water. The exact mix affects workability, bonding strength, and durability. Lime mortars are favored in historic buildings for their flexibility and breathability, while cement-lime or pure cement mortars are standard for modern masonry. Mortar also serves to fill joints, seal gaps, and distribute loads between units.

In culinary and laboratory usage, a mortier is the vessel used with a pestle to grind or mix substances, commonly called a mortar and pestle. It has ancient origins and remains widely used for grinding spices, herbs, and other materials.

In military usage, a mortier is a mortar, a short-range indirect-fire weapon that launches shells at high angles from a simple tube-mounted launcher. Mortars are valued for portability, speed of deployment, and the ability to deliver high-angle fire in constrained spaces. Common calibers range from around 60 to 120 mm, with lighter models used at company level and heavier ones at battalion or higher levels. Typical employment includes suppressive fire, illumination, and close-support missions.

Historically, mortars emerged during the 20th century, with early designs such as the Stokes mortar influencing later models. Modern mortars emphasize range, rate of fire, and mobility.