Cuirass is a word that can be difficult to spell due to its unusual pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for cuirass is /kwəˈræs/. This means that it is pronounced with a "kwuh" sound, followed by a short "a" sound, and then the stress falls on the second syllable with a "ras" sound. It refers to a piece of armor that covers the torso, commonly worn by soldiers in the past. Remembering the correct spelling of cuirass can be aided by breaking it down phonetically.
A cuirass is a piece of body armor that consists of a breastplate and a backplate, joined together to protect the torso. This armor is typically made of metal or laminated materials, designed to provide comprehensive protection against blows and projectiles in combat. The word "cuirass" originated from the French term "cuirasse," which means "breastplate" or "chest armor."
The cuirass covers the front and back of the upper body, extending from the shoulders to the waist. It is secured to the wearer by straps or buckles, offering flexibility and allowing ease of movement during combat. The breastplate portion of the cuirass shields the chest, while the backplate covers the spine and provides additional defense against attacks from behind.
Initially used by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans, the cuirass evolved over time, adapting to different military tactics and innovations in technology. It became a prominent feature of medieval knights' and soldiers' armory during the Middle Ages. The development of firearms led to the decline of cuirasses as primary protection, as they proved less effective against bullets.
Today, cuirasses are primarily seen in historical reenactments, museum displays, and theatrical performances. While their practical use in modern warfare has diminished, they remain an important part of military history and continue to be admired for their intricate designs and craftsmanship.
A term in symptomatology and pathology having reference to the thorax.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A breastplate of metal; metal armour covering the trunk of the body.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word cuirass comes from the French word cuirasse, which is derived from the Italian corazza. Both French and Italian words were ultimately derived from the Latin word coriacea, meaning made of leather or leather armor. This Latin word is a diminutive of corium, which means hide or leather. Hence, the etymology of the word cuirass traces back to the Latin term for leather armor.