How Do You Spell RAVELIN?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈavɪlˌɪn] (IPA)

The word "Ravelin" is spelled as /rəˈvɛlɪn/. It is a military term referring to a triangular fortification located outside the main walls of a castle or fortress. The spelling of this word can be explained by breaking it down into phonetic components. The first syllable is pronounced as "ruh" with a short "u" sound, and the second syllable is pronounced as "vel" with an "e" sound. The final syllable is pronounced as "in" with a short "i" sound. When pronounced together, this gives the correct phonetic spelling of "Ravelin".

RAVELIN Meaning and Definition

1. A ravelin is a military fortification structure that was commonly used during the early modern period. It is a triangular or V-shaped outer defensive work that is situated in front of the main defensive walls of a fortress or castle. Its primary purpose is to provide additional protection and defense to the main gateway or entrance of the fortification.

   Typically made of earth or stone, a ravelin is designed with two outer faces and a side that is connected to the main defensive walls. It is often equipped with gun emplacements or casemates to allow defenders to fire upon the enemy approaching the entrance. The open side of the ravelin faces away from the fortress, allowing defenders to effectively flank assailants and create an interlocking defense.

   Ravelins were strategically positioned to obstruct enemy access to the main gate or curtain walls. They served as a barrier that forces the enemy to expose themselves to further defensive fire before reaching the main entrance. Additionally, ravelins were designed to provide soldiers with a safe space to retreat and regroup if the main walls were breached.

   The term "ravelin" originates from the French word "ravillon," meaning "flank." Ravelins were widely used during the 16th and 17th centuries, and their design continued to evolve throughout this period. Although their use declined with the introduction of more advanced military technologies, ravelins played a significant role in fortifications and castle defenses during this era.

2. In fort., a detached triangular work having two faces meeting in a salient angle towards the country; a half-moon battery.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for RAVELIN

• ravlin
• raveline
• ravellin
• eavelin
• favelin
• tavelin
• 5avelin
• 4avelin
• rzvelin
• rsvelin
• rwvelin
• rqvelin
• racelin
• rabelin
• ragelin
• rafelin
• ravwlin
• ravslin
• ravdlin
• ravrlin

Etymology of RAVELIN

The word "ravelin" derives from the Italian term "ravellino", which means a small ravel. The Italian word "rava", meaning "scrape" or "shave", is believed to be the root word. The term was later adopted into French as "ravelin" in the 16th century and then into English. The concept behind the word is the angular structure resembling a shaved or scraped protrusion jutting out from the main fortification walls of a defensive structure. Ravelins were typically constructed in early fortification systems to offer additional protection and hinder attackers by creating a complex path to the main entrance.

Plural form of RAVELIN is RAVELINS