Embrasure: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in a military or architectural context to describe a small opening in a fortified wall for shooting projectiles.

• The soldiers fired their muskets through the embrasure without exposing themselves to the enemy.
• Castle walls were frequently outfitted with embrasures to enhance defense capabilities.

Typically used in legal, regulatory, or tax discussions to describe a technicality or gap that can be exploited for advantage. Often carries a negative connotation.

• The company found a loophole in the tax code that allowed them to reduce their liabilities.
• The new legislation aims to close any loopholes that corporations have been using to avoid taxes.

A general term that can be used across various contexts to describe any gap, hole, or available space.

• There was an opening in the fence big enough for the dog to escape.
• She found an opening in her schedule to meet with the client.

Commonly used to describe a long, narrow cut or opening, often implying something made intentionally or with precision.

• He made a small slit in the envelope to see what was inside.
• The slit in the curtain allowed a beam of light to enter the room.

Used to describe an opening in a wall or parapet, often seen in fortifications, where guns or cannons can be mounted. These are typically found in historical or military architecture.

• The castle walls were lined with embrasures for defensive cannons.
• Soldiers positioned themselves at the embrasure to fire at the approaching enemy.

Commonly used in contexts involving photography, optics, or any situation where there is an adjustable opening that controls the amount of light passing through. Can also refer to any small opening or hole.

• Adjust the camera's aperture to control the exposure.
• There was a tiny aperture through which the light entered the room.

Often used in historical or medieval contexts, referring specifically to the open sections of a battlement. These are the spaces between the raised portions (merlons) on a defensive wall.

• The archer took aim through the crenel of the battlement.
• Knights looked out from the crenels to watch for approaching enemies.