A glacis ( /ˈgleɪ.sɪs/ or /ˈglæ.si/) in military engineering is an artificial slope of earth in the front of works such as fortifications, so constructed as to keep any potential assailant under the fire of the defenders to the last possible moment. On the natural ground level, troops attacking any high work have a degree of shelter from its fire when close up to it; engineers therefore raise such ground to form a glacis, which defenders can sweep with fire from the parapet. Engineering is the application of science to the needs of humanity. ... Fortifications (Latin fortis, strong, and facere, to make) are military constructions designed for defensive warfare. ... A parapet (from the Italian parapetto and/or the French parapet, from Italian para, imperative of Italian parare (to cover, defend) and petto (breast), ultimately from the Latin pectus (breast); the Germans use the term Brustwehr (breast-defence)) consists of a dwarf wall along the edge of a roof, or...

More generally, the term glacis can denote any slope, natural or artificial, which fulfils the above requirements.

The etymology of this French word suggests a slope made dangerous by frozen ice, hence the relationship with glacier. Austrias longest glacier, the Pasterze, winds its 8 km (5 mile) route at the foot of Austrias highest mountain, the Grossglockner. ...

See also: fortification, siege. Fortifications (Latin fortis, strong, and facere, to make) are military constructions designed for defensive warfare. ... A siege is a prolonged military blockade and assault of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by force or attrition. ...

The glacis plate forms the front hull armor of a tank or other armored fighting vehicle. It usually comprises the thickest and strongest armor on the vehicle, often well sloped to increase the possibility of deflecting antitank fire. A destroyed M113 armoured personnel carrier show a section of the armour. ... An armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) is a military vehicle, equipped with protection against hostile attacks and often mounted weapons. ...