How Do You Spell FIRELOCK?

Pronunciation: [fˈa͡ɪ͡əlɒk] (IPA)

The word "firelock" is spelled as /ˈfaɪərlɒk/. The first part of the word, "fire," is spelled with an "i" and "e" because the "i" is pronounced as a long vowel sound while the "e" is pronounced as a short vowel sound. The second part of the word, "lock," is spelled with an "o" and "ck" because the "o" is pronounced as a short vowel sound while the "ck" is used to indicate the hard "k" sound at the end of the word. Overall, the spelling of "firelock" accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word.

FIRELOCK Meaning and Definition

1. A firelock is a type of firearm that was designed to be ignited by a matchlock mechanism. It was a common form of musket used in the 17th and 18th centuries. The term "firelock" originates from the combination of the words "fire" and "lock", where "lock" refers to the mechanism used to ignite the firearm.

   The key characteristic of a firelock is its matchlock mechanism, which consists of a lit match secured to a lever called a serpentine. When the trigger is pulled, the serpentine swings forward, bringing the burning match into contact with the priming pan, which contains a small amount of gunpowder. This ignition then lights the main powder charge within the barrel, propelling the projectile.

   Compared to earlier firearm designs, the firelock offered some advantages. It had a greater range than the arquebus and was more reliable than the wheellock. Additionally, it did not require the user to carry a separate ignition source, such as a slow match. However, it still had limitations, including a relatively slow reloading process and a tendency to misfire in wet weather conditions.

   The firelock played a significant role in military history, being widely used by soldiers and militias during the age of early firearms. Over time, it was gradually replaced by more advanced ignition systems, such as the flintlock, which offered faster and more reliable firing mechanisms.

2. A musket with a flint; fireman, one who tends an engine or assists in putting out fires; fireplace, the recess in the wall of a room fitted with a flue, in which a grate for fire may be placed; fire-plug, a street water-plug.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for FIRELOCK

• direlock
• cirelock
• virelock
• girelock
• tirelock
• rirelock
• furelock
• fjrelock
• fkrelock
• forelock
• f9relock
• f8relock
• fieelock
• fidelock
• fifelock
• fitelock
• fi5elock
• fi4elock
• firwlock
• firelocki

Etymology of FIRELOCK

The word "firelock" has an interesting etymology. It originated in the 16th century and combines two separate terms: "fire" and "lock".

The term "fire" refers to the act of igniting or setting something ablaze. In this context, it is associated with the firing mechanism of a firearm.

The term "lock" originally referred to a fastening device or mechanism in various contexts. When applied to firearms, it specifically referred to the mechanism that secured the gun's firing mechanism.

Combining these terms, "firelock" emerged as a word to describe the primitive firearm that utilized a matchlock mechanism. Matchlock firearms were used during the 16th to 17th centuries and required a burning match or cord to ignite the gunpowder, eventually firing the weapon.

Similar spelling words for FIRELOCK

• ferlach,
• frolicky,
• vrolijk,
• Forelook,
• FRLK,
• vrlika,
• Furylike,
• springer-verlag,
• Variolique,
• frolick,
• Fairylike,
• Variolic,
• firewalk,
• froelichia,
• foreleg,
• Ferulic,
• verloc,
• frlec,
• forelock,
• fralick,
• frylock,
• eher-verlag,
• furlike,
• verlag,
• forelock-tugging,
• firlike,
• frolic,
• Verolique,
• verlig,
• FORLAG,
• frelick,
• verlegh,
• firelike,
• Furilic,
• forwalk,
• verilog.

Plural form of FIRELOCK is FIRELOCKS