armour-piercer

armour-piercer

A soldier loads an armour-piercer into the tank's cannon.

Definition

Noun: - A projectile designed to penetrate armoured vehicles: An "armour-piercer" is a type of munition, such as a bullet or shell, specifically constructed to breach the protective plating of tanks, warships, or other armoured targets. Its design typically involves a hardened core (e.g., tungsten or depleted uranium) and a streamlined shape to maximize kinetic energy upon impact.

Usage Examples
  • (A specialized projectile used in combat to break through thick metal plating.)
  • (A shell intended for piercing armoured surfaces.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Armour-piercer" as a compound noun: In technical contexts, this term is often shortened to "AP" (armour-piercing) and used as a modifier, but "armour-piercer" specifically refers to the projectile itself, not the weapon or its properties.
    • The new armour-piercer features a saboted design for greater velocity. (The projectile is encased in a lightweight carrier to increase speed before impact.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Armour-piercing (adj): describing ammunition or a weapon capable of penetrating armour.
    • The armour-piercing round was effective against the steel barrier. (The bullet was designed to break through hard surfaces.)
  • Armour (n): protective metal covering used on military vehicles or ships.
    • The tank's armour was reinforced after the attack. (The protective layer was strengthened.)
  • Piercer (n): a thing that penetrates or makes a hole.
    • The drill bit acted as a piercer for the metal sheet. (A tool that creates an opening.)
Synonyms
  • Penetrator: a projectile that drills into a target.
  • AP round: a common abbreviation for armour-piercing ammunition.
  • Hardened projectile: a bullet or shell with a tough core.
Related Idioms
  • Pierce the armour: to break through a protective barrier, either literal or metaphorical.
    • The lawyer's argument managed to pierce the armour of the defendant's alibi. (To successfully challenge a strong defense or excuse.)

Note: There are no phrasal verbs directly associated with "armour-piercer," as it is a technical noun rather than a verb-based phrase.