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.

---

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

---

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 ( 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

They can also see gun embrasures in the basement, swords from medieval wars and a passageway, now closed off, that was used as an escape route.

From BBC

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

From Literature

Robin’s bedchamber was off the main hall or living room of the house, in an embrasure of the thick wall.

From Literature

It was a worthy song, and it could stir the embrasures and battlements of a strong man’s soul.

From Literature

Related Words

• incision
• indentation