armor

[ ahr-mer ]

noun

1. any covering worn as a defense against weapons.
2. a suit of armor.
3. a metallic sheathing or protective covering, especially metal plates, used on warships, armored vehicles, airplanes, and fortifications.
4. mechanized units of military forces, as armored divisions.
5. Also called armament. any protective covering, as on certain animals, insects, or plants.
6. any quality, characteristic, situation, or thing that serves as protection:

   A chilling courtesy was his only armor.

7. the outer, protective wrapping of metal, usually fine, braided steel wires, on a cable.

verb (used with object)

1. to cover or equip with armor or armor plate.

armor

/ ˈɑːmə /

noun

1. the US spelling of armour

Other Words From

• armor·less adjective
• anti·armor adjective
• sub·armor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of armor¹

1250–1300; Middle English armo ( u ) r, armure < Anglo-French armour ( e ), armure Old French armëure < Latin armātūra armature; assimilated, in Middle English and Anglo-French, to nouns ending in -our -or ²

Idioms and Phrases

see chink in one's armor ; knight in shining armor .

Related Words

• bulletproof vest
• shield