mortars
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈmɔɹtɝz// UK //mˈɔːtəz// mor·tars
n. short, heavy tubes used to fire bombs or shells high into the air. They are often used in war to hit targets behind walls or hills.
n. short-barreled artillery pieces designed to fire projectiles at high angles and low velocities. Often used for indirect fire against targets in defilade or behind cover.
The soldiers set up the mortars behind the hill.
During the siege, the infantry relied on mortars to clear enemy positions that were hidden behind the city walls.
The tactical advantage of mortars lies in their portability and their ability to deliver high-explosive shells over obstacles that would block the path of traditional direct-fire weapons.
Usage
Usually used in the plural when referring to the weapons system in a general combat context.