The word "enfilade" is spelled with an "e" at the beginning followed by "n-f-i-l-a-d-e." It is pronounced as /ɛn.fɪˈleɪd/ with the stress on the second syllable. This word comes from the French language and means "a series of interconnected rooms". In military terms, it refers to a line of fire where troops can fire through a series of rooms or corridors. Despite its unusual spelling, enfilade is a commonly used word in architecture, design, and military contexts.
Enfilade is a term used in military strategy and architecture to describe a type of fire or a physical arrangement that involves a straight line of gunfire or observation along an axis. In military context, it refers to an attack where the enemy's line of defense or positions is targeted along its length, allowing for maximum effectiveness. The term can also describe a defensive position where a line of weapons or soldiers is placed to provide overlapping and continuous fire along a specific area.
In architecture, enfilade refers to a series of rooms or spaces connected in a straight line, usually with doors aligned in such a way that they create a visual and spatial connection between them. It allows for a harmonious flow and alignment, emphasizing the visual perspective and creating a sense of depth within the interior space.
The concept of enfilade is based on the idea of a direct, uninterrupted line. In military strategies, this means attacking or defending an enemy's position in a straight, linear fashion. In architecture, it is about creating a visual and spatial continuity through straight alignment and interconnectedness. Enfilade plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of military operations and creating an aesthetically pleasing and coherent interior arrangement.
The word "enfilade" originated from the French term "enfilade", which comes from the verb "enfiler". "Enfiler" means "to thread" or "to string" something, particularly referring to passing a string through the eye of a needle. In a military context, the term evolved to indicate the action of firing a projectile down the length of a narrow space or a row of objects, just like a string passing through the eye of a needle. This concept was later adopted in English, retaining the same meaning and pronunciation as its French origin.