Definition

Noun: * Construction without mortar: A type of masonry where stones or bricks are carefully fitted together without the use of mortar, cement, or any other binding agent. The structure relies entirely on gravity, friction, and the precise placement of the materials.

Usage

• As a subject: "Dry masonry is an ancient building technique."
• As an object: "The garden wall was built using dry masonry."
• With a modifier: "The dry masonry retaining wall has stood for centuries."

Examples

• "The old farmhouse featured a dry masonry foundation made from local fieldstone."
• "Building a dry masonry wall requires skill to select and place each stone for stability."
• "Unlike modern brickwork, dry masonry allows for water drainage through the gaps between stones."

Advanced Usage

• "dry-stone masonry": A more common synonym, often used interchangeably with "dry masonry."
  • The heritage site is known for its impressive dry-stone masonry huts.

Variants and Related Words

• Dry-stone (adjective): Describing a structure built using dry masonry.
  • a dry-stone wall
• Masonry (noun): The craft of building structures from individual units of stone, brick, or concrete, often bound with mortar.

Synonyms

• Dry-stone construction
• Dry-stone walling

Related Phrases

• Dry-laid stone: Another term describing stone placed without mortar.
  • The patio was made from dry-laid stone.

Noun

1. masonry without mortar