k-ration

A soldier opens a k-ration box during a field exercise.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of combat ration: "k-ration" refers to a pre-packaged, individual meal issued to soldiers, especially during World War II, designed to be lightweight, non-perishable, and easy to carry. It typically contained canned food, biscuits, and other emergency supplies.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The soldiers were issued a k-ration before the long march. (A combat meal pack given to troops.)
  • He survived on k-rations for three days during the training exercise. (He ate only the packaged field rations.)

Advanced Usage

• "to break out a k-ration": to open and consume a combat ration.

  • When the supply truck was delayed, the platoon broke out their k-rations. (They began eating their emergency field meals.)

• "k-ration packaging": the specific waterproof and compact wrapping used for these rations.

  • The k-ration packaging was designed to withstand rough handling and extreme weather. (The container was built for durability in combat conditions.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ration (n): a fixed allowance of food or provisions.

  • Each soldier received a daily ration of bread and water. (A set portion of food.)

• Combat ration (n): a general term for military field meals, including k-rations.

  • Modern combat rations are more nutritious than the original k-rations. (Current field meals have improved.)

Synonyms

• Field ration: a meal provided for soldiers in the field.
• Emergency ration: a food pack for survival situations.
• C-ration: a similar but heavier canned ration used by the U.S. military.

Related Idioms

• "Living on k-rations": to subsist on minimal or basic provisions.

  • During the war, the troops were living on k-rations for weeks. (They had only basic field meals.)

• "K-ration diet": a very simple or limited food regimen.

  • His backpacking trip felt like a k-ration diet with only crackers and canned meat. (His food was extremely simple and repetitive.)