tracer bullet
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A projectile that leaves a visible trail: A type of ammunition, typically a bullet or round, that contains a pyrotechnic composition in its base. This composition ignites upon firing and burns brightly during flight, creating a visible trace (usually a streak of light or smoke) that allows the shooter or observer to track its path to the target. This is used for aiming, target designation, and training purposes.
Usage Examples
- The machine gunner loaded a belt with tracer bullets to help adjust his fire at the distant target.
- At night, the tracer bullet looked like a bright red line streaking across the sky.
- The instructor explained that tracer bullets are invaluable for teaching proper lead on moving targets.
Advanced Usage
- "Tracer fire": Refers to the visible streaks created by multiple tracer bullets being fired, often in a stream or pattern.
- The night sky was lit up by intense tracer fire from the anti-aircraft guns.
- "Tracer round": A common synonym for "tracer bullet," often used in military contexts.
- Every fifth round in the magazine was a tracer round.
Variants and Related Words
- Tracer (noun): Often used as a shortened, informal form of "tracer bullet."
- They could see the tracers arcing toward the hill.
- Tracer ammunition (noun phrase): A more general term that can include larger caliber tracer projectiles, not just bullets.
Synonyms
- Tracer round
- Marking round (less common)
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To follow the tracer": To use the visible path of a tracer bullet to guide subsequent shots or actions.
- The other gunners were instructed to follow the tracer and concentrate their fire on that point.
- "Tracers work both ways": A military adage meaning that while tracers help the shooter see their aim, they also reveal the shooter's position to the enemy.
- Remember, tracers work both ways—fire in short bursts and then move.
Noun
- ammunition whose flight can be observed by a trail of smoke