harpoon-gun
Definition
Noun: - A harpoon-gun is a specialized firearm designed to launch a harpoon, typically used in whaling or large-scale fishing to capture large marine animals such as whales or sharks.
Usage Examples
- (A firearm that shoots a barbed spear for hunting whales.)
- (A device used to fire a harpoon at a marine animal.)
Advanced Usage
"to fire a harpoon-gun": to discharge the weapon.
- The harpooner fired the harpoon-gun with precision, striking the whale's flank. (To release the harpoon from the gun.)
"harpoon-gun range": the distance over which the gun can effectively launch a harpoon.
- The whale was well within harpoon-gun range, making the shot easy. (The distance suitable for accurate harpoon launching.)
Variants and Related Words
- Harpoon (n): a barbed spear-like missile attached to a rope, used for hunting large fish or whales.
- The harpoon was retrieved after the whale was secured. (The projectile itself.)
- Harpooner (n): a person who operates a harpoon or harpoon-gun.
- The experienced harpooner aimed the gun carefully. (The shooter or user of a harpoon-gun.)
Synonyms
- Whaling gun: a similar firearm used specifically for whaling.
- Harpoon launcher: a more general term for any device that fires harpoons, including hand-thrown or gun-mounted types.
Related Idioms
- "To harpoon someone": (figurative) to criticize or attack someone sharply.
- The journalist harpooned the politician in her article. (To attack verbally, like a harpoon strikes.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Harpoon into: to thrust or fire a harpoon into something.
- The crew harpooned into the whale's side. (To embed the harpoon into the animal.)
Additional Notes
- The term "harpoon-gun" is often used interchangeably with "whaling gun" in historical contexts, but it can also refer to guns used for shooting harpoons in sport fishing or underwater hunting.