What does glacis mean?
A glacis is a sloping surface that leads up to a fortification or defensive structure. It is designed to allow attackers to approach the fort under fire, while also providing a clear field of fire for the defenders. The term 'glacis' comes from the Latin word for 'ice', and was originally used to describe the frozen ground that surrounded medieval castles. Today, the term is used in military contexts to describe a specific type of defensive structure, but it can also be used more broadly to describe any sloping surface that leads up to a fortified area. Glacis are often made of earth or stone, and are designed to funnel attackers into a kill zone. They can be very steep, and are often used to protect fortifications from enemy artillery. In addition to its military uses, the term 'glacis' can also be used to describe any sloping surface that leads up to a building or other structure. For example, a glacis might be used to describe the slope leading up to a stadium or a parking garage. Overall, the term 'glacis' refers to a sloping surface that provides a clear field of fire and funnels attackers into a kill zone.
nounA glacis is a sloping surface, often made of earth or stone, that leads up to a fortification or other defensive structure. It is designed to allow attackers to approach the fortification under fire, while also providing a clear field of fire for the defenders.
- A sloping surface leading up to a fortification or defensive structure
"The army's engineers built a glacis to protect the fort from enemy artillery."
"The glacis was designed to funnel the enemy into a kill zone."
"The fort's glacis was made of stone and was very steep."
The plural form 'glacises' is used when referring to multiple glacis structures.
"The army built several glacises to protect the fort from enemy artillery."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of glacis
The term 'glacis' comes from the Latin word 'glacies', meaning 'ice'. This word was borrowed into French as 'glacis', meaning 'slope', and was later adopted into English. In military contexts, the term 'glacis' is often used to describe a specific type of defensive structure. However, the term can also be used more broadly to describe any sloping surface that leads up to a fortified area.
How glacis is actually used
In military contexts, a glacis is often used to describe a specific type of defensive structure. However, the term can also be used more broadly to describe any sloping surface that leads up to a fortified area.