This is something I became curious about and dug into it. Now I want to see if you know. I'll give best answer to whoever is closest. I want to know how it is that the word "mortar" came to represent both the cement that's used hold bricks in place and the contemporary military weapon that is a small tube-shaped rocket launcher.
2006-06-12 11:22:21 · 6 answers · asked by pollux 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The connection is the mortar and pestle, a device consisting of a bowl (mortar) and stick (pestle) used for grinding substances into powder.
The weapon was named after the bowl because of a similarity in shape between the first mortars and a bowl.
The cement is named for the tool (mortar and pestle) originally used to grind the lime before it is mixed with sand.
2006-06-12 11:40:25 · answer #1 · answered by crgrier 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'll give it a pop.
I would assume that it means mortar because, well that's what they used to build walls, but also it becomes the weapon because there is also a mortar and pestle, which smash and obliterate things, and that's what the weapon does.
Just a guess though... ^.^
2006-06-12 11:27:44 · answer #2 · answered by Noel H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They both hold things in place.
Mortar is the cement used to HOLD a wall and other things in place
Mortar is also the canister (if you will) that HOLDS a shell in place
2006-06-12 11:29:33 · answer #3 · answered by n/a 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is also a mortar and pestle which is used to grind materials. But I have no idea...
2006-06-12 11:46:09 · answer #4 · answered by bibi12378 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mortar - "short cannon," 1558, originally mortar-piece, from M.Fr. mortier "short cannon," from O.Fr. "bowl for mixing or pounding" So called for its shape.
also "crushed drugs," probably the same word as mortarium "bowl for mixing or pounding"
2006-06-12 11:35:56 · answer #5 · answered by englishteacher83 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They Both are made from a mixture of ingredients.
2006-06-12 12:23:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋