embrasure

noun

em·​bra·​sure im-ˈbrā-zhər 

1

: an opening with sides flaring outward in a wall or parapet of a fortification usually for allowing the firing of cannon

2

: a recess of a door or window

Illustration of embrasure

• E embrasure 2

Examples of embrasure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One room holds an embrasure, complete with a cannon, for those who can’t make the 2.5-mile round-trip hike to the fort itself. —Erin L. Thompson, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Apr. 2023

There were openings in the upper walls, accessible to the men on the ramparts, called embrasures, through which archers could shoot. —William Gurstelle, Popular Mechanics, 11 Apr. 2019

Word History

Etymology

French, from obsolete embraser to widen an opening

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

embrasure

noun

em·​bra·​sure im-ˈbrā-zhər 

1

: an opening with sides slanting outward in a wall or parapet for the firing of cannon

2

: an opening in a wall for a door or window

Medical Definition

embrasure

noun

em·​bra·​sure im-ˈbrā-zhər 

: the sloped valley between adjacent teeth