Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of handgun: A revolver is a repeating firearm that has a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers (typically six) and at least one barrel for firing. Each chamber holds a single cartridge, and the cylinder rotates ("revolves") to align each chamber with the barrel for firing.
   • A revolving door: In architecture, a revolver is a type of door with four partitions that rotate around a central vertical axis, often used to minimize air pressure differences in tall buildings.

Examples

• Noun (Firearm):
  • The detective drew his revolver from its holster.
  • Revolvers are known for their reliability and simple mechanical action.
• Noun (Door):
  • We entered the lobby through the large brass revolver.
  • The building's revolver helps to reduce drafts in the entrance.

Advanced Usage

• "Six-shooter": A common informal term for a revolver with a six-chamber cylinder.
  • In old Western movies, the cowboy carried a trusty six-shooter.
• "Double-action revolver": A revolver where pulling the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer.
  • Modern police often trained with double-action revolvers.

Variants and Related Words

• Revolve (verb): To move in a circle around a central point. This is the root action described by the noun.
  • The Earth revolves around the Sun.
• Revolving (adjective): Describing something that turns around a central point.
  • The restaurant had a revolving door and a revolving rooftop bar.

Synonyms

• Handgun: A general term for a firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand.
• Pistol: A broader category of handgun, which includes revolvers and semi-automatic pistols.
• Wheel gun: (Slang) Another informal term for a revolver.

Related Phrases

• "Spin the cylinder": A phrase referring to the rotating cylinder of a revolver, often used in contexts of chance or risk (e.g., Russian roulette).
  • He nervously spun the cylinder of the revolver.
• "Chamber a round": To load a cartridge into a firing chamber. For a revolver, this means loading the cylinder.
  • He chambered a round in the revolver before holstering it.

Idioms

• "A smoking gun": While not exclusive to revolvers, this idiom for conclusive evidence often evokes the image of a recently fired gun, which could be a revolver.
  • The email was the smoking gun that proved his involvement.

Noun

1. a door consisting of four orthogonal partitions that rotate about a central pivot; a door designed to equalize the air pressure in tall buildings
2. a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)