Artillery Meaning and Definition
Artillery
Pronunciation
/ˈɑrtɪləri/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Large-caliber guns fired from the ground, used to attack enemy positions or fortifications.
Examples
- The military deployed a large artillery piece to shell the enemy’s trenches.
- The cannons were loaded with high-explosive rounds, ready to be fired from the artillery.
Synonyms
- Cannon
- Gun
Antonyms
- Sniper
- Rifleman
Etymology
The word ‘Artillery’ comes from the French word ‘artillerie’, derived from ‘art’ meaning ‘craft’ and ‘illerie’ meaning ‘work’ or ‘industry’. The term initially referred to the science and practice of making and using firearms and other war machines.
Usage Notes
The word ‘Artillery’ can be used in different contexts, such as military, historical, or technical writing. It’s essential to use the correct terminology and meaning in each situation to avoid confusion.
Cultural References
- The film ‘Apocalypse Now’ features a scene with a helicopter gunship firing artillery on a Vietnamese village.
- In ‘Call of Duty: World at War’, players can engage in artillery battles using massive siege guns.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- ‘Ain’t no light in the artillery trenches.’ – This phrase is often used to express that things are dull or uneventful.
- ‘Artillery is the king of the battlefield.’ – This phrase emphasizes the importance of artillery in modern warfare.
Related Words or Phrases
- Battery
- Trench
- Siege
Collocations
- ‘artillery fire’ – This combination refers to the act of firing artillery on an enemy position.
- ‘artillery piece’ – This combination refers to a specific type of gun or cannon used in artillery.
Frequency of Use
The word ‘Artillery’ is most frequently used in military, historical, and technical contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Artillary
- Artilltry
- Adillery