BULLET Meaning and
Definition
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A bullet is a small, usually cylindrical projectile designed to be discharged from a firearm. It is typically made of metal, such as lead or copper, and is propelled by the expanding gases produced by the combustion of propellant inside the firearm's barrel. The bullet shape may vary, with common types including full metal jacket (FMJ), hollow-point, and soft-point.
A typical bullet consists of three main parts: the projectile or bullet itself, the casing or shell that contains the propellant, and the primer. The projectile is the actual bullet that is propelled towards the target upon firing. The casing holds the propellant and is usually made of brass or steel. The primer, often located at the base of the casing, is a small charge that ignites the propellant when struck by the firearm's firing pin.
Bullets are specifically designed to inflict damage or achieve a particular effect upon impact, depending on their intended use. Full metal jacket bullets are commonly used in military and target shooting, as they offer good penetration and less deformation upon impact. Hollow-point bullets, on the other hand, are designed for self-defense or law enforcement purposes, as their hollowed shape promotes expansion upon impact for increased stopping power.
In conclusion, a bullet is a cylindrical projectile propelled by the combustion of propellant inside a firearm. It is designed to cause damage or achieve a certain effect upon impact, and its various types cater to different applications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A round or oblong ball of metal, used for loading pistols, guns, or rifles.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for BULLET *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BULLET
Etymology of BULLET
The word "bullet" originated from the French word "boullette", which means a small ball. It is a diminutive of "boule", meaning "ball". The French term came from the Latin word "bulla", which referred to a small rounded object. Over time, "bullet" began to specifically refer to a projectile used in firearms, and the word spread to different languages in various forms, retaining its general meaning of a small projectile.
Idioms with the word BULLET
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dodge a/the bullet
The idiom "dodge a/the bullet" means to narrowly avoid a dangerous or disastrous situation or experiencing a negative consequence. It typically refers to avoiding a potentially harmful outcome or circumstance by fortunate avoidance or quick thinking.
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magic bullet
The idiom "magic bullet" refers to a simple and seemingly miraculous solution or remedy to a complex problem. It implies the belief in a quick fix or an easy resolution to a difficult or intricate situation.
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take a/the bullet (for someone)
The idiom "take a/the bullet (for someone)" refers to sacrificing oneself or enduring harm or punishment on behalf of someone else. It figuratively alludes to the act of physically standing in front of, or in place of, another person to protect them from danger or harm, just as taking a bullet for someone would involve bearing the consequences of being shot.
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silver bullet
The idiom "silver bullet" refers to a straightforward and highly effective solution or action that solves a complex problem with ease and precision, often in a way that is surprising or unexpected. It implies a solution that is quick, efficient, and capable of completely eliminating or resolving the issue at hand.
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get the bullet
The idiom "get the bullet" typically refers to someone being fired or dismissed from their job or position. It implies that the person is being forcibly removed or let go, as if being shot with a bullet.
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bullet-stopper
The idiom "bullet-stopper" is typically used to refer to a person or thing that is able to withstand or handle difficult or dangerous situations. It describes someone or something that can effectively endure challenges or absorb impacts, like a bullet hitting a wall and stopping its progress. It signifies resilience, strength, and the ability to confront obstacles head-on.
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bite the bullet
The idiom "bite the bullet" means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, often when one does not have any alternative choices. It refers to metaphorically biting on a bullet during a medical procedure to endure pain or discomfort.
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dodge a bullet
The idiom "dodge a bullet" means to narrowly avoid a dangerous or undesirable situation or consequence. It implies that someone has managed to escape a potentially harmful or negative outcome, similar to narrowly evading being struck by a speeding bullet.
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number one with a bullet
The idiom "number one with a bullet" refers to something or someone that has achieved a top position or the highest level of success, often in a rapid or sudden manner. It commonly denotes being at the forefront or leading in rankings, popularity, or importance. The phrase originates from the music industry, specifically Billboard magazine's "Hot 100" chart, where a song would have a bullet next to its ranking to indicate a rapid rise in popularity.
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faster than a speeding bullet
The idiom "faster than a speeding bullet" is used to describe something or someone that moves extremely quickly, often implying that it is almost impossible to catch or keep up with. This idiom originates from the fictional character Superman, who was depicted as being able to fly at incredible speeds, faster than the speed of a bullet.
Similar spelling words for BULLET
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