Definition

1. Noun:
   • A gun that uses compressed air to fire a projectile: An "air gun" is a type of firearm that does not use an explosive propellant like gunpowder. Instead, it uses compressed air or other gases (like carbon dioxide) to propel a pellet, BB, or other small projectile.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He uses an air gun for target practice in his backyard.
  • The air gun is popular for pest control because it is quieter than a traditional rifle.
  • Safety goggles should always be worn when operating an air gun.

Advanced Usage

• "Pneumatic air gun": A specific type of air gun where the air is compressed by a pump mechanism integrated into the gun.
  • He preferred the pneumatic air gun because it didn't require CO2 cartridges.
• "Spring-piston air gun": A common type where a spring-driven piston compresses the air to fire the projectile.
  • The spring-piston air gun is known for its reliability and single-stroke operation.

Variants and Related Words

• Air rifle (n): A type of air gun with a rifled barrel, designed for greater accuracy, typically firing pellets.
  • He won the competition with his precision air rifle.
• Air pistol (n): A handheld, pistol-style air gun.
  • The air pistol is used in Olympic shooting events.
• BB gun (n): A type of air gun designed specifically to shoot spherical projectiles called BBs.
  • Many children receive their first BB gun for plinking cans.

Synonyms

• Pellet gun: A gun that fires pellets, often (but not always) powered by compressed air.
• Air rifle: (See Variants and Related Words).

Related Phrases

• "To pump up an air gun": The action of compressing air in a pneumatic air gun by using a lever or pump.
  • You need to pump up the air gun ten times before it's ready to fire.

Noun

1. a gun that propels a projectile by compressed air