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ar·mor

(ärmər)

1. A defensive covering, as of metal, leather, or synthetic materials, worn to protect the body against weapons.

2. A tough, protective covering, such as the bony scales covering certain animals or the metallic plates on tanks or warships.

3. A safeguard or protection: faith, the missionary's armor.

a. The combat arm that deploys armored vehicles, such as tanks.

b. The armored vehicles of an army.

tr.v. ar·mored, ar·mor·ing, ar·mors

To cover with armor.

[Middle English armure, from Old French armeure, from Latin armātūra, equipment; see ARMATURE.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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