Mortar facts for kids

Mortar is a word that can mean several different things! When you see "Mortar," it might be talking about a type of weapon, a building material, a kitchen tool, or even a place or an organization.

This page helps you find the right topic you're looking for.

What Can "Mortar" Mean?

Mortar as a Weapon

When people talk about a mortar in the military, they usually mean a special type of gun. It's a weapon that shoots shells high into the air, making them drop down on a target from above. This is called "indirect fire" because the people using the mortar don't need to see their target directly. Mortars are often used by soldiers on the ground because they are lighter and easier to move than big artillery guns.

Mortar as a Building Material

Mortar is also a very important material used in construction. It's a thick paste that builders use to hold bricks, stones, or concrete blocks together. Think of it like a super-strong glue that fills the spaces between building blocks. It's usually made from a mix of cement, sand, and water. When it dries, it becomes very hard and helps make walls and structures strong and stable.

Mortar and Pestle: A Crushing Tool

A mortar and pestle is a classic tool set found in kitchens, pharmacies, and science labs. The "mortar" is a sturdy bowl, and the "pestle" is a heavy stick or club. People use them together to crush, grind, or mix ingredients. For example, you might use them to grind spices for cooking, crush herbs for medicine, or prepare chemicals in a lab.

Mortar as a Place or Group

Sometimes, "Mortar" can refer to a specific location or an organization:

• Mortar, Bihar: This is the name of a village located in the state of Bihar in India.
• Mortar (organization): This refers to a non-profit group based in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the United States. Non-profit organizations work to help communities or causes, rather than making money.

The Manby Mortar: A Rescue Invention

The Manby mortar is a very clever invention from the past. It was created by Captain George William Manby in the early 1800s. This special mortar was designed to help rescue people from shipwrecks. It could fire a rope from the shore out to a ship that was stuck or in trouble, allowing people to be pulled to safety. It was an important tool for saving lives at sea before modern rescue methods were developed.