HANDGRENADE Meaning and
Definition
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A handgrenade is a small, portable explosive device designed to be thrown by hand and detonated either by impact or with a timer. It is typically spherical or cylindrical in shape, with a tough exterior casing made of metal or reinforced plastic. The primary purpose of a handgrenade is to cause destruction, injury, or to neutralize enemy combatants during military operations.
Handgrenades generally function through the combination of three essential components: the explosives, the fuse or ignition system, and the casing. The explosive material inside the handgrenade is ignited by either a mechanical or chemical fuse that is activated upon release or impact. Once the fuse is activated, it sets off a chain reaction that causes the explosive to detonate and generate a powerful blast.
With a blast radius determined by the size and power of the handgrenade, the explosive force can cause significant damage to structures and inflict severe injuries to humans and animals within its vicinity. Modern handgrenades may also be equipped with additional features such as fragmentation sleeves or shrapnel elements, enhancing their lethality by dispersing sharp shards upon detonation.
Handgrenades are primarily used by the military and law enforcement agencies for tactical purposes in warfare and combat scenarios. They provide soldiers with a versatile and compact weapon for offensive and defensive operations. Due to their potential destructive capabilities, handgrenades are heavily regulated and restricted to authorized personnel only, ensuring their safe and controlled use for military and security purposes.
Common Misspellings for HANDGRENADE
- gandgrenade
- bandgrenade
- nandgrenade
- jandgrenade
- uandgrenade
- yandgrenade
- hzndgrenade
- hsndgrenade
- hwndgrenade
- hqndgrenade
- habdgrenade
- hamdgrenade
- hajdgrenade
- hahdgrenade
- hansgrenade
- hanxgrenade
- hancgrenade
- hanfgrenade
- hanrgrenade
- hanegrenade
Etymology of HANDGRENADE
The word "handgrenade" traces its etymology to two separate components: "hand" and "grenade".
1. "Hand": This term originates from the Old English word "hand", which can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *handuz. It eventually evolved into "hand" in Middle English, referring to the body part at the end of the arm. This term, with its roots in Proto-Indo-European, has cognates in various other languages.
2. "Grenade": The word "grenade" has a more complex etymology. It is derived from the Old French word "grenate" or "pomme grenate", meaning "pomegranate". This term was used to describe a small explosive projectile because it resembled the shape and size of a pomegranate fruit.
