round shot
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A solid, spherical projectile, typically made of iron, that was fired from a cannon in historical warfare. It was a common type of cannonball before the widespread adoption of explosive shells.
Usage
The term "round shot" specifically refers to the early, non-explosive ammunition for smoothbore cannons. It is primarily used in historical, military, and archaeological contexts.
Examples
- The impact of the round shot shattered the wooden hull of the ship.
- Archaeologists discovered several round shot artifacts at the site of the 18th-century battlefield.
- The cannon was loaded with round shot to breach the fortress walls.
Advanced Usage
- "To fire/cast round shot": To discharge this type of projectile from a cannon.
- The garrison was ordered to fire round shot at the advancing infantry.
Variants and Related Words
- Cannonball (noun): A more general term that can refer to both solid round shot and later explosive shells. "Round shot" is a specific type of cannonball.
- Solid shot (noun): A synonym emphasizing the projectile's non-explosive, solid nature.
- Grapeshot (noun): A different type of cannon ammunition consisting of multiple smaller balls packed together, used against personnel at close range.
Synonyms
- Cannonball
- Solid shot
- Ball (in historical artillery context)
Related Phrases
- "Round shot and grape": A historical phrase referring to the two primary types of anti-personnel and anti-material cannon ammunition.
- The battery was prepared to fire both round shot and grape.
Noun
- a solid projectile that in former times was fired from a cannon