embrasure

[ em-brey-zher ]
/ ɛmˈbreɪ ʒər /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR embrasure ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

(in fortification) an opening, as a loophole or crenel, through which missiles may be discharged.
Architecture. a splayed enlargement of a door or window toward the inner face of a wall.
Dentistry. the space between adjacent teeth.

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 embrace2), though sense shift unclear) + -ure -ure

OTHER WORDS FROM embrasure

em·bra·sured, adjective

Words nearby embrasure

embraceor, embracery, embracive, embranchment, embrangle, embrasure, embrittle, embrittlement, embrocate, embrocation, embroglio

Words related to embrasure

incision, indentation, heart, cranny, hollow, dent, cubicle, depression, slot, angle, closet, cavity, nook, cell, crutch, fork, opening, alcove, cove, break

Example sentences from the Web for embrasure

British Dictionary definitions for embrasure

embrasure
/ (ɪmˈbreɪʒə) /

noun

fortifications an opening or indentation, as in a battlement, for shooting through
an opening forming a door or window, having splayed sides that increase the width of the opening in the interior

Derived forms of embrasure

embrasured, adjective

Word Origin for embrasure

C18: from French, from obsolete embraser to widen, of uncertain origin

Medical definitions for embrasure

embrasure
[ ĕm-brā′zhər ]

n.

The sloped valley between two teeth.