bomb-sight

A bombardier peers through the bomb-sight in the aircraft's nose.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device for aiming bombs: "bomb-sight" refers to an instrument or mechanical/optical device used on aircraft to calculate the correct trajectory and release point for dropping bombs accurately onto a target.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The bombardier used the bomb-sight to align the aircraft with the target before releasing the explosives. (The aiming device guided the bomb drop.)
  • During World War II, the Norden bomb-sight was a highly classified piece of equipment. (A specific type of aiming instrument used in military aviation.)

Advanced Usage

• "bomb-sight" as a compound noun: Often written as one word ("bombsight") or hyphenated ("bomb-sight"), it is a technical term in military aviation.
  • The bomb-sight's precision allowed for accurate strikes even from high altitudes. (The device's accuracy was crucial for bombing missions.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bombsight (n): an alternative spelling (more common in modern usage) for the same device.
  • The bombsight was calibrated before each mission. (The aiming device was adjusted.)

Synonyms

• Aiming device: a general term for any instrument used to direct a projectile.
• Bombing computer: a more modern electronic system that calculates release points (often replacing mechanical bomb-sights).

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly using "bomb-sight," as it is a highly specific technical term.