How Do You Spell REDAN?

Pronunciation: [ɹɪdˈan] (IPA)

The word "Redan" is pronounced /rɛdæn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. Its spelling follows the English convention of using the letter "e" to represent the vowel sound /ɛ/, which is pronounced with an open mouth and slightly higher tongue position than the vowel in "red" (/ɛ/ vs. /ɛː/). In addition, the letter "a" represents the sound /æ/, which is a shorter and lower vowel than /ɛ/. Overall, the spelling of "Redan" accurately reflects its pronunciation in English.

REDAN Meaning and Definition

1. A redan is a term used in military architecture and fortification to describe a type of defensive earthwork or fortification structure. It originated from the French word "redan," meaning "projection" or "salient angle." A redan is typically a V-shaped or triangular fortification, built with sloping embankments and flanking walls that create a strong defensive position.

   Redans are commonly found in fortresses, city walls, or field fortifications, serving as a defensive bulwark against enemy attacks. The outer walls of a redan are often fortified with protective parapets designed to shelter soldiers, cannons, or other weaponry. This layout provides soldiers with an advantageous position upon which they can fire at assailants from multiple angles while remaining protected.

   The primary purpose of a redan is to enhance defensive capabilities by offering superior visibility and fields of fire for its defenders. This type of structure provides the advantage of creating a salient angle, which enables crossfire and enfilading fire along the embankments, making it challenging for opposing forces to advance towards the fortification. The V-shaped design also helps to deflect the impact of enemy artillery or infantry attacks, reducing the risk of damage and penetration.

   Due to their strategic significance and practical benefits, redans have been utilized in military fortifications across different time periods and geographic locations. Their enduring design and effectiveness demonstrate the ingenuity and practicality of this defensive structure in military architecture.

2. In fort., a field-work, consisting of two parapets of earth placed in the form of an inverted V, the angle being turned towards the enemy.

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

Common Misspellings for REDAN

• reden
• readen
• radan
• reddan
• fedan
• 5edan
• 4edan
• rwdan
• rsdan
• rddan
• rrdan
• r4dan
• r3dan
• refan
• reran
• reean
• redzn
• redsn
• redwn
• redqn

Etymology of REDAN

The word "redan" has a French origin and comes from the Old French word "redent", meaning "to break off". The term was first used in fortification during the 18th century and originally referred to a type of triangular or V-shaped earthwork defense structure. It was derived from the idea that the shape of a redan breaks off the straight lines of a defensive wall, providing better defensive angles. The word "redan" later became widely used in English and other languages to describe this particular fortification design.

Plural form of REDAN is REDANS