DEPTH CHARGE Meaning and
Definition
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A depth charge refers to a military weapon specifically designed to combat submarines by delivering an explosive charge underwater. It is a type of anti-submarine weapon that is typically dropped, launched, or rolled from a ship or aircraft into the ocean. The primary aim of a depth charge is to detonate near a submerged enemy submarine, causing significant damage or destroying it.
The depth charge operates on the principle of using water pressure to determine the depth at which it will detonate. It includes a cylindrical explosive device encased in a metal casing, which is equipped with a hydrostatic pistol. The hydrostatic pistol determines the depth, triggering the detonation when the weapon reaches the predetermined depth, typically several hundred feet below the surface of the water.
When a depth charge is deployed, it sinks through the water due to its weight. The hydrostatic pistol regulates the depth at which the depth charge will explode, ensuring that it occurs in close proximity to the target submarine. The explosive force generated by the depth charge creates a powerful shockwave, along with strong pressure fluctuations, effectively damaging or rupturing the hull of the submarine, rendering it incapable of operating or sinking it entirely.
Depth charges played a significant role in naval warfare during the two World Wars, as they were instrumental in countering the threat posed by submarines. However, their usage has diminished with the development of more advanced anti-submarine warfare technologies. Nonetheless, depth charges still serve as historical artifacts and symbols of an era when submarines were a major military concern.
Common Misspellings for DEPTH CHARGE
- septh charge
- xepth charge
- cepth charge
- fepth charge
- repth charge
- eepth charge
- dwpth charge
- dspth charge
- ddpth charge
- drpth charge
- d4pth charge
- d3pth charge
- deoth charge
- delth charge
- de-th charge
- de0th charge
- deprh charge
- depfh charge
- depgh charge
Etymology of DEPTH CHARGE
The word "depth charge" originated in the early 20th century and has its roots in military terminology. It is a compound word consisting of "depth" and "charge".
The term "depth" refers to the distance below the surface, particularly in the context of water. It comes from the Old English word "deop" meaning "deep" or "profound". The word "charge" in this context refers to an explosive or explosive device with a specific purpose or target. It comes from the late Middle English word "charge" that means "burden" or "load".
When combined, "depth charge" refers to an explosive device designed to be dropped into the water and detonated at a certain depth, primarily used for anti-submarine warfare. The use of depth charges became prominent during World War I and continued to be used throughout the 20th century.
Similar spelling words for DEPTH CHARGE
