embrasure

American  

[em-brey-zher] / ɛmˈbreɪ ʒər /

noun

1. (in fortification) an opening, as a loophole or crenel, through which missiles may be discharged.

2. Architecture. a splayed enlargement of a door or window toward the inner face of a wall.

3. Dentistry. the space between adjacent teeth.

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embrasure British  

/ ɪmˈbreɪʒə /

noun

1. fortifications an opening or indentation, as in a battlement, for shooting through

2. an opening forming a door or window, having splayed sides that increase the width of the opening in the interior

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Other Word Forms

• embrasured
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of embrasure

1695–1705; < French, equivalent to embras ( er ) to enlarge a window or door opening, make an embrasure (apparently the same v. as embraser to set on fire ( see embrace ²), though sense shift unclear) + -ure -ure

Example Sentences

Chess, by and large, is a war game played by nonmartial people who would have trouble identifying the business end of an M16 or explaining the difference between an embrasure and a sally port.

From Washington Times • Sep. 26, 2023

In addition, the historic cannon port embrasure located in the east guard room has been restored to its original condition.

From Washington Times • Jul. 1, 2015

Now they sat side by side again in the embrasure looking eastward, where they had eaten and talked the day before.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

He leaned his head against the cold stone of the embrasure, until she took his hand.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

I leaned back in the embrasure in a more comfortable position, so that I could enjoy more fully the aërial gambolling.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Related Words

• incision
• indentation