The word "armoured car" is spelled with a double "r" because the American English spelling "armored" drops the second "r". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is /ˈɑːmərd kɑːr/. The "a" sounds like "ah", the "r" is pronounced as a slight rolling sound, and the final "r" is sometimes silent. The "c" and "k" sounds are essentially the same, but the "k" is used in this case because it follows the vowel sound "a".
An armoured car refers to a robust, military-grade vehicle designed and built with reinforced materials, such as steel plating or bullet-resistant glass, to provide enhanced protection to its occupants. These vehicles are primarily utilized for transportation of valuable goods, high-profile individuals, military personnel, and dignitaries in order to ensure their safety and security against potential threats, including armed attacks, theft, or ambushes.
Armoured cars typically feature heavily armored exteriors that are resistant to gunfire, explosives, and other forms of hostile attacks. This armor is strategically placed to shield vital areas of the vehicle, such as the engine compartment, windows, and passenger cabin, from potential damage. Moreover, these vehicles often have reinforced tires that can withstand punctures or even run-flat capabilities to enable the car to continue driving even if one or more tires are damaged.
In addition to their protective features, armoured cars are equipped with various security measures, including advanced communication systems, surveillance cameras, GPS tracking devices, and, in some cases, even defensive weapons. Such vehicles may be armed with machine guns, smoke screens, or even fire suppression systems to aid in emergency situations.
Armoured cars are commonly employed by financial institutions, private security companies, law enforcement agencies, and government entities to transport cash, jewelry, sensitive documents, or to provide secure transport for individuals in high-risk environments. The primary objective of an armoured car is to offer reliable protection and maintain a high level of security when operating in potentially dangerous locations or situations.
The word "armoured car" combines the terms "armoured" and "car".
The term "armoured" derives from the Old French word "armure", meaning "armor" or "defensive covering". It can be traced back to the Latin word "armatura", which similarly means "armor" or "equipment". The word "armatura" is derived from the Latin word "arma", meaning "arms" or "weapons".
The term "car" comes from the Middle English word "carre", which refers to a type of wheeled vehicle. "Carre" originates from the Latin word "carrum", meaning a "two-wheel wagon" or "cart". The Latin term "carrum" was derived from the Gaulish word "carrus", which had a similar meaning.