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

She left the fireplace and drifted over to the great embrasure of the window.

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

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

From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli

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