(Hebrews homer), cement of lime and sand (Genesis 11:3; Exodus 1:14); also potter's clay (Isaiah 41:25; Nahum 3:14). Also Hebrews `aphar, usually rendered "dust," clay or mud used for cement in building (Leviticus 14:42, 45).

Mortar for pulverizing (Proverbs 27:22) grain or other substances by means of a pestle instead of a mill. Mortars were used in the wilderness for pounding the manna (Numbers 11:8). It is commonly used in Palestine at the present day to pound wheat, from which the Arabs make a favourite dish called kibby.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) A strong vessel, commonly in form of an inverted bell, in which substances are pounded or rubbed with a pestle.

2. (n.) A short piece of ordnance, used for throwing bombs, carcasses, shells, etc., at high angles of elevation, as 45, and even higher; -- so named from its resemblance in shape to the utensil above described.

3. (n.) A building material made by mixing lime, cement, or plaster of Paris, with sand, water, and sometimes other materials; -- used in masonry for joining stones, bricks, etc., also for plastering, and in other ways.

4. (v. t.) To plaster or make fast with mortar.

5. (n.) A chamber lamp or light.