PISTOL Meaning and
Definition
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A pistol is a type of hand-held firearm that is designed to be fired with one hand. It is a small, portable weapon that typically fires a single projectile, such as a bullet, through the use of explosive propellants in a controlled manner. The term "pistol" is often used interchangeably with the term "handgun," referring to firearms that are designed to be held and used by one hand.
Pistols are distinguished from other firearms, such as rifles and shotguns, primarily by their size and intended usage. They are generally smaller and more compact, making them easier to carry and conceal. They are also typically employed for self-defense, law enforcement purposes, and in military applications, including sidearms for officers in combat.
The basic structure of a pistol consists of a barrel, a chamber where the ammunition is loaded, a trigger mechanism, and a grip for the hand. Most pistols have a magazine that holds the ammunition and feeds it into the chamber for firing. They usually have a short range compared to other firearms, as their design prioritizes portability and ease of use in close-quarters combat situations.
Pistols come in a variety of models, sizes, and calibers to suit different purposes and preferences. They are operated by the user manually pulling the trigger, which initiates the firing sequence by releasing the hammer or striking mechanism. The projectile is propelled down the barrel, propelled by the expanding gases generated by the combustion of the propellant.
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• To shoot with a pistol.
• A small firearm, discharged by holding in the hand.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PISTOL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PISTOL
Etymology of PISTOL
The word "pistol" has an interesting etymology. It can be traced back to the Middle French word "pistole" or "pistol", which referred to a type of firearm. This Middle French term was derived from the Czech word "píšťala", meaning a small pipe or a flute.
The Czech term "píšťala" was originally used to refer to a musical instrument, particularly a flute or a small reed pipe. However, during the 16th century, the term began to be applied to various types of portable firearms, including handheld guns and small cannons. This shift in meaning happened due to the resemblance of the firearm barrels to musical flutes or pipes.
Later, the word "pistol" was adopted into English around the late 16th century, maintaining its association with firearms, specifically handheld firearms.
Idioms with the word PISTOL
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fire (one's) pistol in the air
The idiom "fire (one's) pistol in the air" means to make a big show of strength or power without taking any effective or meaningful action. It implies using an empty threat or demonstrating force without any real intention of following through. It can also refer to expending resources or energy in a way that is ultimately useless or wasteful.
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hold (or put) a gun (or a pistol) to someone's head
To threaten someone in order to force them to do something; to pressure someone into a particular course of action.
Similar spelling words for PISTOL
Conjugate verb Pistol
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