embrasure
UK[ɪmˈbreɪʒə(r)]US[ɪmˈbreɪʒər]
n
an opening in a wall or parapet, typically splayed on the inside, through which a gun or cannon can be fired.
n
an opening in a thick wall for a window or door, typically splayed on the inside.
Morpheme Breakdown
em
bras
ure
em
in
bras
fire
ure
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'embrasure' entered english from french in the early 18th century. its french source, 'embrasure', was derived from the verb 'embraser', meaning "to set on fire" or "to burn," which itself came from 'braise' (hot coals). the literal sense of an opening for fire evolved into the specific architectural and military term. thus, the original logic of the components—an opening 'in' (em) for 'fire' (bras)—directly informs the modern meaning of a splayed opening in a wall for a weapon or window.
Analysis
Structure: em (in) + bras (fire) + ure (noun suffix)
- em: from old french 'en-', from latin 'in-', meaning "in, into". a prefix indicating inward location or direction.
- bras: from old french 'brasier', meaning "to burn, live coals", from 'braise' (hot coals). it represents the concept of fire or burning.
- ure: from old french '-ure', from latin '-ura', a suffix forming nouns denoting an action, result, or instrument.
Examples
the soldier aimed the cannon through the narrow embrasure in the fortress wall.
the thick castle walls featured deep embrasures that allowed archers to shoot with cover.
the architect designed the window embrasures to widen inward, allowing more light to enter the room.