Definition

Noun: A cylindrical metal tube forming part of a firearm, through which the projectile (bullet, shot, or shell) is propelled by the force of expanding gases from ignited gunpowder. It provides direction and can impart a stabilizing spin to the projectile.

Usage

The term "gun barrel" refers specifically to the main tubular component of a gun. It is a countable noun.

Examples: * The detective examined the gun barrel for any residue. * A longer gun barrel generally contributes to greater accuracy. * The bullet travels at high speed down the gun barrel.

Advanced Usage

• "to look down the barrel of a gun": This idiom means to be in a situation of extreme danger or direct threat.
  • During the standoff, he found himself looking down the barrel of a gun.
• "barrel of a gun": Often used in political or coercive contexts to signify the use of force or threat of force.
  • The regime maintained its power through the barrel of a gun.

Variants and Related Words

• Bore (n): The interior of the gun barrel; its diameter.
  • This rifle has a .30 caliber bore.
• Muzzle (n): The open front end of the gun barrel from which the projectile exits.
  • Never point the muzzle at anything you do not intend to shoot.

Synonyms

• Tube (in the specific context of firearms)
• Bore (referring to the interior channel)

Related Phrases

• Barrel length: A measurement of the gun barrel, often legally regulated.
  • The law specifies a minimum barrel length for hunting rifles.
• Rifled barrel: A barrel with spiral grooves cut into the bore to spin the bullet.
  • Modern pistols typically have a rifled barrel.
• Smoothbore barrel: A barrel without rifling, as found in many shotguns.
  • The shotgun's smoothbore barrel fires multiple pellets.

Noun

1. a tube through which a bullet travels when a gun is fired