MOUNTAIN GUN Meaning and
Definition
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A mountain gun is a type of artillery piece that is specifically designed and developed to be deployed and operated in mountainous or rugged terrains. It is a relatively light and compact gun, featuring a small caliber and a compact carriage for ease of transport and maneuverability.
Typically, mountain guns have a caliber ranging between 75mm to 105mm, which allows for effective engagement of targets at moderate distances while maintaining portability. The compact carriage design enables the gun to be disassembled into smaller components, facilitating transportation through challenging terrain on mules, specialized vehicles, or even by human manpower.
Mountain guns have been utilized by various military forces around the world as a critical component of their artillery units, particularly during mountain warfare or operations in difficult terrains. They are specifically designed to provide rapid and accurate firepower in otherwise inaccessible or inhospitable locations where larger artillery pieces may be impractical or too heavy to transport.
Due to their smaller size and maneuverability, mountain guns excel at providing direct fire support to ground troops, engaging enemy positions, fortifications, and targets of opportunity. They often possess greater mobility than other artillery types, enabling them to be deployed quickly and repositioned easily to maintain tactical advantage during battle.
In conclusion, a mountain gun is a specialized artillery piece that is compact, lightweight, and designed for deployment in mountainous or rugged terrains. It offers great mobility, rapid deployment, and accurate firepower to support ground forces during mountain warfare operations.
Etymology of MOUNTAIN GUN
The word "mountain gun" is derived from the combination of two words: "mountain" and "gun".
The term "mountain" comes from the Latin word "montanus", which means "pertaining to mountains". It dates back to the late 13th century and has roots in various European languages. The word refers to a large landform that rises significantly above its surroundings, typically higher and steeper than a hill.
The word "gun" has a longer history, originating from the Old Norse word "gunnr" or "gunnr" meaning "battle" or "war". It later evolved into the Middle English word "gonne", referring to a weapon using an explosive propellant to discharge projectiles. Over time, "gun" became a general term for any artillery or firearm.
