MORTARBOARD Meaning and
Definition
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A mortarboard is a noun referring to a type of cap traditionally worn during graduation ceremonies. It is typically made of black fabric, shaped like a flat square with a stiffened and slightly convex top, and a smaller square-shaped board at its center. The center board is attached to a long tassel or cord, which is then held or draped over the front corner of the mortarboard.
The mortarboard is an essential part of graduation regalia and holds great symbolic significance. It is worn by graduates to mark their achievement and academic accomplishment. The flat shape and square design of the mortarboard symbolize the foundation of knowledge acquired through years of study, while the tassel often carries additional symbolism. In many academic traditions, the tassel starts on one side of the mortarboard and is switched to the other side during the graduation ceremony, thus signifying the successful completion of the program.
The term mortarboard originated from the resemblance of the flat cap to the board used by masons to hold mortar when constructing buildings. This connection may have emerged due to the cap's flat surface, which resembles the shape of the tool used by masons. Over time, the mortarboard has become an iconic item associated with graduations worldwide, representing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication in one's academic journey.
Common Misspellings for MORTARBOARD
Etymology of MORTARBOARD
The word "mortarboard" has an interesting etymology. The term is formed by combining two separate words, "mortar" and "board".
The term "mortar" originally comes from the Latin word "mortarium", which referred to a shallow bowl-shaped vessel used in ancient times for grinding or mixing substances. Over time, "mortar" came to specifically mean the mixture of cement, sand, and water used in construction.
The word "board" comes from the Old English word "bord", which simply meant a long, flat piece of wood used for various purposes.
In the case of "mortarboard", the word "board" refers to the flat, stiff headpiece worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies. Its shape resembles a flat board or plank, with a smaller raised portion at the front resembling a shallow mortar or bowl.
Similar spelling word for MORTARBOARD
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