Definition

Noun: A rifle grenade is a type of grenade designed to be launched from a rifle. It is typically propelled using a special blank cartridge or, in modern systems, a standard live round, and is aimed using a launching device attached to the rifle's barrel.

Usage

The term "rifle grenade" refers specifically to the projectile itself. It is used to describe a weapon system that extends the range and accuracy of a hand-thrown grenade by utilizing a rifle as a launching platform. * Soldiers were equipped with rifle grenades for engaging targets behind cover. * The launcher attachment allows the infantryman to fire a rifle grenade.

Advanced Usage

• The concept is often discussed in military history and infantry tactics, referring to a method of providing individual soldiers with indirect fire capability.
• Modern iterations may be referred to as "bullet-trap" or "shoot-through" grenades when they use the force of a standard bullet for propulsion.

Variants and Related Words

• Grenade Launcher: A broader category of weapons designed to fire grenades, which can be a standalone weapon or an attachment (under-barrel) to a rifle. A rifle grenade is the ammunition for one specific type of launcher system.
• Projectile: A general term for any object propelled through the air, which includes a rifle grenade.

Synonyms

• Launched grenade
• Rifle-propelled grenade

Related Phrases

• To fire a rifle grenade: The action of launching the grenade from the rifle.
  • The squad leader ordered the private to fire a rifle grenade at the machine gun nest.
• Rifle grenade launcher: The attachment device on the rifle used to launch the grenade. (Note: This is a related compound term, not the target word itself).

Noun

1. a grenade that is thrown from a launching device attached to the barrel of a rifle