cuirass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Historical, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “cuirass” mean?
A piece of defensive armour covering the torso from neck to waist, typically made of leather or metal plates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A piece of defensive armour covering the torso from neck to waist, typically made of leather or metal plates.
Any hard, protective covering or shell, analogous to armour. In biology, can refer to a bony plate on an animal (e.g., armadillo, turtle).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are identical. No significant usage difference.
Connotations
Equally evokes history, knights, and museums in both variants.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialised contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cuirass” in a Sentence
The knight wore a [adjective] cuirass.The museum displayed a [material] cuirass.It served as a cuirass against [threat].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cuirass” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The soldiers were cuirassed in polished steel.
- He cuirassed himself against the harsh criticism.
American English
- The knight cuirassed his squire before the joust.
- She cuirassed her heart after the betrayal.
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The cuirassier troops were an impressive sight.
- A cuirass-like carapace shielded the beetle.
American English
- He wore a cuirass breastplate from the 16th century.
- The animal's cuirass defence was impenetrable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
In history papers on warfare, archaeology, or classical studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare; only in discussing museum exhibits, reenactments, or RPG games.
Technical
In military history, zoology (describing animal carapaces), and historical arms/armour collecting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cuirass”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cuirass”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cuirass”
- Misspelling: 'curiass', 'cuiress'.
- Mispronunciation: /ˈkjʊərəs/ (like 'curious').
- Using as a general term for a helmet or shield.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word used almost exclusively in historical, literary, or zoological contexts.
Technically, a breastplate covers only the front of the torso, while a cuirass (comprising both a breastplate and a backplate) covers the entire torso. However, the terms are often used interchangeably in non-specialist contexts.
Yes, but it is exceptionally rare and highly literary. It means 'to equip with or as if with a cuirass'.
In British English: /kwɪˈras/. In American English: /kwɪˈræs/. The stress is on the second syllable. A common mistake is pronouncing it like 'curious'.
A piece of defensive armour covering the torso from neck to waist, typically made of leather or metal plates.
Cuirass is usually formal, historical, technical, literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None common. Potential literary metaphor: 'a cuirass of indifference'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A CURASS protects your ASS (and chest)!' – it's armour.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A HARD SHELL; EMOTIONAL DEFENCE IS ARMOUR.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cuirass' LEAST likely to be used?