---
title: "Definition of mortars"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 3
key: "semester_6/building_technology:define-mortar-term"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/define-mortar-term
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Definition of mortars

Building Technology · Chapter 3: Mortars & Masonry works

- Asked in: 2075 Baisakh, 2 marks
- Video: [Introduction to Building Mortars](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfVEB4jymlw) — Mounika Ganta
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/define-mortar-term
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-3

## Question

Define mortars.

## Short answer

Mortar is a workable paste of binding material (cement/lime), fine aggregate (sand), and water, used to bond masonry units, fill joints, and provide a level bed. It hardens to give strength and stability.

## Answer

**Mortar** is a workable paste obtained by mixing a binding material (cement, lime or clay) and a fine aggregate (sand, surkhi or cinder) with water in a fixed proportion. It is used to bind bricks or stones in masonry, to fill joints and to make plaster, pointing and flooring finishes. It hardens with time and gives strength and stability to the masonry.

Examples: cement mortar (1:4, 1:6), lime mortar, cement-lime (gauged) mortar and mud mortar.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Mortar is:
   A. Paste of binder, fine aggregate and water
   B. Coarse aggregate and water
   C. Only water
   D. Only cement and sand dry
   Answer: A. Binding material plus fine aggregate plus water in a fixed proportion. (Key point: Definition)

2. Mortar is used to:
   A. Carry roof loads alone
   B. Bind masonry units, fill joints and make plaster and pointing
   C. Make steel
   D. Dig trenches
   Answer: B. It hardens, giving strength and stability to masonry. (Key point: Use)

3. Which is a fine aggregate in mortar?
   A. Cement
   B. Boulder
   C. Sand
   D. Brick
   Answer: C. Sand, surkhi or cinder. (Key point: Fine aggregate)