The term mortar is a classic English homograph that represents two entirely unrelated items sharing the exact same spelling and pronunciation. The first definition refers to a heavy paste or cementitious mixture composed of sand, water, and binding agents like Portland cement, which is used by masons to bond bricks, blocks, and tiles together. The second definition refers to a portable military indirect-fire weapon consisting of a smooth-bore metal tube mounted on a baseplate, designed to launch explosive projectiles at high-arriving, steep ballistic trajectories. While one is an essential foundational building material for architecture and home renovation, the other is a vital high-angle artillery piece used extensively by combat infantry units on the battlefield.
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