trench mortar

noun

Meaning

A lightweight, portable artillery piece designed to fire projectiles at high angles for short distances, primarily used by infantry to engage targets hidden within trenches or behind obstacles.

Examples

  • The infantry unit set up their trench mortar behind the front line to suppress the enemy position.
  • Advancements in trench mortar technology allowed soldiers to strike targets that were previously unreachable by direct-fire rifles.

Synonyms: mortar, artillery, infantry support weapon, light mortar