Basic Details
Word: Mortar
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A thick mixture used to hold bricks or stones together in building or to prepare food.
Synonyms: Cement, paste, mixture
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- To hit someone with a mortar: This phrase can be used to describe giving someone a very strong criticism or feedback. Example: "She hit him with a mortar when she pointed out his mistakes in the project."
- As tough as mortar: Used to describe someone or something that is very strong and enduring. Example: "Despite the challenges, he is as tough as mortar, never backing down."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The builder mixed the mortar carefully to ensure it would hold the bricks securely in place.
Example 2: In the kitchen, she used a mortar and pestle to crush the spices into a fine powder.
Example 3: The ancient castle's walls were built with thick mortar, which has stood the test of time.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the earliest known use of mortar dates back to around 6000 B.C. in ancient Egypt? Archaeologists found evidence that the Egyptians used mortar to bond stones in the construction of structures like the pyramids!
Famous Quote
"Good architects must consider not just aesthetic aspects but also the use of materials like mortar to create structures that last." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "mortar" mean?
a) A type of bird
b) A thick mixture for building
c) A kind of flower
d) A fabric
Answer: b) A thick mixture for building
2. Which of these is a synonym of "mortar"?
a) Sand
b) Cement
c) Water
d) Stone
Answer: b) Cement
3. Which sentence uses "mortar" correctly?
a) The mortar flew high in the sky.
b) He added mortar to his sandwich.
c) The builder applied mortar to the bricks to keep them together.
d) She painted the mortar green.
Answer: c) The builder applied mortar to the bricks to keep them together.
4. Which idiom suggests giving strong criticism?
a) As tough as mortar
b) To hit someone with a mortar
c) As easy as pie
d) Like a fish out of water
Answer: b) To hit someone with a mortar
5. What is the opposite of "mortar"?
a) N/A
b) Air
c) Water
d) Wind
Answer: a) N/A
