embrasure

/im'breiʤə/

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Word: Embrasure

Definition: An embrasure is a noun that refers to an opening or a space in a wall, ship, or armored vehicle that is designed for shooting or firing through. It is often used in military or architectural contexts.

Usage Instructions:

• Embrasure is mainly used in discussions about fortifications, historical buildings, or military structures.
• You can use it when talking about features of castles, forts, or ships, especially when describing how soldiers or defenders could protect themselves while being able to shoot at enemies.

Example Sentence:

• "The castle had several embrasures along its walls, allowing the archers to shoot arrows at approaching enemies while staying protected."

Advanced Usage:

In more complex discussions, you might see "embrasure" being used in architectural critiques or historical analyses, discussing how these openings were designed for both functionality and protection.

Word Variants:

• Embrasured (adjective): Describing something that has embrasures, e.g., "The embrasured walls of the fort provided a great vantage point for the defenders."

Different Meanings:

While "embrasure" primarily refers to an opening for firing, it can also mean a recess or opening in a wall that allows light or air, although this usage is less common.

Synonyms:

• Opening
• Slot
• Aperture

Related Terms:

• Bastion: A projecting part of a fortification that allows for firing from multiple angles.
• Battlement: A defensive wall with alternating high and low sections, often with embrasures for shooting.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "embrasure," you might encounter phrases that refer to protection or defense, such as "hold the fort," which means to maintain a position or keep things running while someone is away.

Summary:

In summary, "embrasure" is a specialized term mostly used in military and architectural contexts to describe an opening for shooting.

Academic

Noun

1. an opening (in a wall or ship or armored vehicle) for firing through

Synonyms

• port
• porthole