mortero (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/morˈteɾo/

Translation Options into English

• Mortar (as in a construction material)
• Mortar (as in a military weapon)
• Pestle (especially in a culinary context)

Meaning and Usage

The word "mortero" has multiple meanings depending on the context:

1. Construction Context: Refers to a mixture of sand, water, lime, and other additives used in masonry to bind stones or bricks.
2. Military Context: Refers to a short, smooth-bore tube used to launch explosive shells at high angles, commonly known as a mortar.
3. Culinary Context: Refers to a tool used for grinding substances, often paired with a pestle.

In Spanish, "mortero" is commonly encountered in both spoken and written language. Its frequency varies based on context, with terms related to construction and military being more formal and found in written texts, while culinary usage may appear in both contexts.

Example Sentences

1. Mortero de cemento es esencial para construir muros firmes.

2. Mortar made of cement is essential for building sturdy walls.

3. Los soldados dispararon el mortero contra el objetivo enemigo.

4. The soldiers fired the mortar at the enemy target.

5. Para hacer la salsa, necesitas un mortero y un mano.

6. To make the sauce, you need a mortar and pestle.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "mortero" is used in various idiomatic expressions, especially in military slang or construction terminology. Here are some examples:

1. "Echarle mortero a un asunto": Significa introducir más complicaciones a un problema.

2. "To add mortar to a matter" means to complicate a problem further.

3. "Morir como un mortero": Se refiere a alguien que es asignado a una misión suicida, especialmente en el contexto militar.

4. "To die like a mortar" refers to someone assigned to a suicide mission, especially in a military context.

5. "Moler a mortero": Expresa la idea de molestar o abrumar a alguien, similar a apalear a alguien.

6. "To grind with a mortar" expresses the idea of annoying or overwhelming someone.

Etymology

The term "mortero" comes from the Latin word "mortarium," which refers to a vessel used for grinding or mixing. Over time, the term evolved to encompass both construction and military meanings in Spanish.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Para construcción: mezcela, cemento.

• Para utensilios de cocina: mortero de mano.

• Antonyms:

• No hay antónimos directos para "mortero" en el contexto de construcción y cocina, pero en un sentido militar, un posible antónimo podría ser "escudo" (shield) en el contexto de defensa.