rifle ball
Noun:
1. A projectile for a rifle: A rifle ball is a type of bullet specifically designed and shaped to be fired from the barrel of a rifle. Historically, the term refers to early ammunition that was spherical, but its meaning evolved as bullet design advanced.
The term rifle ball is primarily used in historical or specialized contexts to describe ammunition.
* The museum displayed a collection of old musket and rifle balls from the 18th century.
* Modern ammunition is far more accurate than the old lead rifle ball.
- The term highlights the evolution of ammunition. While originally a literal "ball," modern rifle bullets are cylindrical with a pointed tip for aerodynamics. The phrase "no longer made spherical in shape" is often part of its definition to clarify this historical shift.
- Bullet (n): The general term for a projectile fired from small arms. A is a specific, historical type of bullet.
- Minie ball (n): A specific type of conical-shaped rifle bullet used in the mid-19th century, representing the transition from spherical .
- Round (n): A complete unit of ammunition, which includes the bullet (e.g., a rifle ball), casing, propellant, and primer.
- Projectile
- Slug (when referring to a solid lead bullet)
The core meaning of rifle ball is a bullet for a rifle. Its defining characteristic in contemporary understanding is not its spherical shape (as it is "no longer made spherical"), but its intended use in a rifle, distinguishing it from pistol bullets or shotgun pellets. The historical connotation of a spherical shape is often implied.
-
a bullet designed to be fired from a rifle; no longer made spherical in shape
