sharpnel

Definition

1. Noun (uncountable):
   • Fragments of a bomb, shell, or other projectile: "shrapnel" refers to the pieces of metal that scatter when an explosive device detonates.
   • A type of projectile: Historically, "shrapnel" was a type of artillery shell designed to explode in mid-air, releasing a shower of metal balls or fragments.

Usage Examples

• (Metal fragments from an explosive.)
• (Small metal pieces used as projectiles.)
• (Individual fragments of a bomb or shell.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be hit by shrapnel": to be struck by metal fragments from an explosion.

  • He was hit by shrapnel during the battle. (He was injured by bomb fragments.)

• "shrapnel wound": an injury caused by metal fragments from an explosive.

  • The shrapnel wound required immediate surgery. (An injury from bomb fragments.)

Variants and Related Words

• Shrapnel (n): the term is both singular and plural; it does not change form.

  • The ground was littered with shrapnel. (Many pieces of metal fragments.)

• Shrapnel-like (adj): resembling or characteristic of shrapnel fragments.

  • The broken glass created shrapnel-like debris. (Fragments similar to those from an explosive.)

Synonyms

• Fragments: pieces of a larger object that has broken apart.
• Splinters: sharp, thin pieces of material (often wood or metal).
• Debris: scattered pieces of waste or remains.

Related Idioms

• "to catch shrapnel": (informal) to be hit by stray fragments from an explosion.

  • He caught shrapnel in his arm while fleeing the blast. (He was struck by fragments.)

• "shrapnel rain": (figurative) a heavy, scattered fall of debris or fragments.

  • The explosion caused a shrapnel rain over the area. (A widespread dispersal of fragments.)