Definition

Noun: - An army unit that uses big guns: A military formation whose primary function is to operate and deploy large-caliber, long-range, indirect-fire weapons, such as cannons, howitzers, and rocket launchers.

Usage

• This term specifically refers to the organizational structure within an army, not to the weapons themselves. It describes a group of soldiers, equipment, and support personnel organized to provide fire support.
• It is a formal, military term.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Artillery unit" vs. "Artillery": The word "artillery" alone can refer to the large guns themselves or the branch of an army that uses them. "Artillery unit" is more precise, referring to a specific organized group within that branch.
  • The artillery fired relentlessly. (Refers to the guns or the collective firepower.)
  • The artillery unit moved under cover of darkness. (Refers to the specific organized group of soldiers and equipment.)

Variants and Related Words

• Artillery (noun): 1. Large-caliber guns used in warfare on land. 2. The branch of an army that specializes in the use of such weapons.
• Artilleryman (noun): A soldier who serves in an artillery unit.
• Battery (noun): A basic tactical unit of artillery, often equivalent to a company, consisting of several guns, their crews, and vehicles.
• Gun crew (noun): The team of soldiers that operates a single artillery piece.

Synonyms

• Artillery battery: Often used interchangeably, though "battery" is a specific subunit.
• Gun unit: A less common, more general synonym.
• Field artillery unit: Specifies units equipped with mobile guns for direct battlefield support.

Related Phrases

• Call in artillery: To request fire support from an artillery unit.
  • The platoon leader had to call in artillery on the enemy position.
• Artillery support: The firepower provided by an artillery unit to other forces.
  • The infantry attack succeeded thanks to effective artillery support.

Noun

1. an army unit that uses big guns