EMBRASURES Meaning and
Definition
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Embrasures are structural openings or openings in fortifications, walls, or battlements that are designed to allow the firing of artillery or other weapons while providing protection to the person or weapon behind it. These openings are typically narrow and have sloping or beveled sides to provide increased defenses against direct enemy fire.
Embrasures can be found in various military structures such as castles, forts, or defensive walls. They are strategically placed at intervals along the fortification to allow for overlapping fields of fire, creating a stronger defensive perimeter. The design of embrasures enables the firearm or artillery piece to be aimed and fired safely from behind the fortification, while providing a limited exposure to hostile fire.
Embrasures can take different shapes and sizes depending on the specific purpose and design of the fortification. Some embrasures may be round, square, or rectangular, while others may have irregular shapes to fit the specific needs of the structure. The size of embrasures can determine the size and caliber of weapons that can be deployed.
Overall, embrasures are integral components of defensive and fortification architecture. Their purpose is to combine optimal firing positions with enhanced protection, enabling defenders to engage enemies while minimizing exposure to enemy fire.
Common Misspellings for EMBRASURES
Etymology of EMBRASURES
The word "embrasure" has its origin in the medieval Latin term "embrācūra", which is derived from the Latin verb "ambo", meaning "both", and the noun "crūs", meaning "leg". In Latin, "embrācūra" refers to an architectural feature in which two legs (crūs) of a wall, usually forming an angle, create a recess or opening. This term was later borrowed into Old French as "embracier", and eventually entered the English language as "embrasure" in the 15th century. In architectural contexts, "embrasure" specifically refers to the indentation or opening within a wall or fortification where a window, door, or gun port is placed.
Similar spelling words for EMBRASURES
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