cannon-shot
Definition
- Noun:
- A projectile fired from a cannon: "cannon-shot" refers to a solid, round projectile (typically made of stone or metal) discharged from a cannon.
- The range or distance a cannon can fire: "cannon-shot" also denotes the maximum distance a cannon's projectile can travel.
- The act of firing a cannon: "cannon-shot" can describe the single discharge or shot from a cannon.
Usage Examples
- As a projectile: (A solid ball fired from a cannon struck the wall.)
- As a distance: (They remained beyond the maximum firing range of the cannons.)
- As an action: (The firing of a cannon produced a loud noise.)
Advanced Usage
"within cannon-shot": within the firing range of a cannon.
- The infantry advanced until they were within cannon-shot of the fort. (They moved close enough for the cannons to hit them.)
"cannon-shot wound": an injury caused by a cannon projectile.
- The soldier suffered a severe cannon-shot wound to his leg. (The injury was from a cannonball.)
Variants and Related Words
Cannonball (n): a solid projectile fired from a cannon; often used interchangeably with "cannon-shot" for the projectile itself.
- The cannonball smashed through the castle gate. (The heavy ball destroyed the gate.)
Cannonade (n): a continuous or sustained firing of cannons.
- The cannonade lasted for hours during the siege. (The repeated cannon fire was prolonged.)
Synonyms
- Projectile: an object thrown or fired, especially from a weapon.
- Round shot: a historical term for a solid cannonball.
- Bombardment: a heavy attack with artillery (broader than a single shot).
Related Idioms
"a cannon-shot away": a distance roughly equal to the range of a cannon; used figuratively to mean a short distance.
- The village was only a cannon-shot away from the battlefield. (It was quite close.)
"like a cannon-shot": moving with great speed or force.
- He ran out of the room like a cannon-shot. (He moved very quickly and suddenly.)