GUNLOCK Meaning and
Definition
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Gunlock is a noun that refers to a mechanism used in firearms, specifically in old-fashioned flintlock or percussion lock guns. It is a device, usually made of metal, that controls the release of the firearm's hammer or firing mechanism to strike and ignite the propellant (gunpowder) within the firearm's barrel.
In flintlock guns, the gunlock consists of a horizontally rotated arm with a flint attached to it, which strikes against a hardened steel frizzen when activated. This creates a shower of sparks, igniting the priming powder in the flash pan, leading to the combustion of the main powder charge and ultimately firing the gun.
In percussion lock firearms, the gunlock is a more simplified mechanism compared to flintlocks. It features a hammer that strikes a percussion cap containing a small explosive charge. This explosion, in turn, ignites the main charge inside the barrel.
The term "gunlock" can also be used to describe the act of unlocking a firearm's safety mechanism or device, allowing it to be fired. This is particularly relevant in modern firearms with various safety features to prevent accidental discharge.
Overall, gunlock refers to the mechanical system that initiates the ignition of a firearm and the subsequent discharge of a projectile, playing a crucial role in the functioning of historical firearms and serving as a foundational mechanism for their modern counterparts.
Common Misspellings for GUNLOCK
- funlock
- vunlock
- hunlock
- yunlock
- tunlock
- gynlock
- ghnlock
- gjnlock
- ginlock
- g8nlock
- g7nlock
- gublock
- gumlock
- gujlock
- guhlock
- gunkock
- gunpock
- gunoock
- gunlick
Etymology of GUNLOCK
The word "gunlock" can be traced back to the early 17th century. It derives from the combination of two words: "gun" and "lock".
The term "gun" is of Middle English origin, and it initially referred to any sort of weapon that used an explosive charge to propel a projectile. The word can be traced back to the Old Norse word "gunnr", meaning "war" or "battle".
On the other hand, "lock" in this context refers to the mechanism that ignites the propellant charge in a firearm. The term "lock" itself is of Germanic origin and can be traced back to the Old English word "loc" and the Old Norse word "lok", both meaning "fastening" or "enclosure".
Similar spelling words for GUNLOCK
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