Definition

Noun: 1. Fragments of a bomb, shell, or other object that explodes: The pieces of metal, especially from an exploding artillery shell or improvised explosive device, that are scattered as dangerous projectiles. 2. (Historical) A specific type of artillery projectile: An artillery shell designed to explode in the air and release a large number of small lead or steel balls to attack personnel.

Usage

The word "shrapnel" is primarily used to describe the dangerous, flying debris caused by an explosion. It is most common in military, historical, and news reporting contexts.

Examples

• Noun (Modern meaning):
  • The soldier was wounded by shrapnel from a roadside bomb.
  • Doctors worked to remove pieces of shrapnel from the survivor's leg.
  • The car's door was pierced by flying shrapnel.
• Noun (Historical meaning):
  • The shrapnel shell, invented by Henry Shrapnel, was designed to burst in the air over enemy troops.

Advanced Usage

• "Shrapnel" as a mass noun: It is typically used as an uncountable noun. You refer to "shrapnel" or "pieces of shrapnel," not "a shrapnel" or "shrapnels."
  • The wall was pockmarked with shrapnel.
• Metaphorical use: Sometimes used informally to describe any small, scattered, and potentially harmful fragments.
  • After the plate shattered, I spent an hour cleaning up the ceramic shrapnel.

Variants and Related Words

• Shard (n): A sharp fragment, typically of glass, pottery, or metal. (More general than "shrapnel," which implies an explosive origin).
• Fragment (n): A small part broken off from something.
• Projectile (n): An object propelled through the air, especially one thrown or fired as a weapon.

Synonyms

• Fragments
• Debris (from an explosion)
• Splinters (especially from wood or metal)

Antonyms

• Whole
• Intact object

Related Phrases / Collocations

• Shrapnel wound: An injury caused by being struck by shrapnel.
• Caught shrapnel: To be hit by shrapnel (informal).
• Shrapnel damage: Physical damage caused by flying fragments from an explosion.

Noun

1. shell containing lead pellets that explodes in flight