SHRAPNEL Meaning and
Definition
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Shrapnel is a noun that refers to fragments or pieces of metal, usually from a shell or bomb, that are dispersed violently during an explosion. It is named after the British army officer Henry Shrapnel, who invented an exploding shell in the late 18th century that sent metal fragments flying in all directions upon detonation.
The term shrapnel can also be used metaphorically to describe any small, fast-moving projectiles or fragments that result from an explosion or impact. These fragments can cause substantial damage, injury, and even death to humans, animals, or objects in the vicinity.
Shrapnel is primarily associated with explosive warfare, where it poses a significant threat to soldiers, as it can penetrate soft body tissues, armor, or other protective materials. In modern combat, shrapnel injuries have been significantly reduced through advancements in protective gear and body armor.
Shrapnel is not limited to military contexts; it can also be found in industrial accidents, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters. The term is often used in news reports and discussions relating to explosions and their aftermath.
In summary, shrapnel refers to the fragments of metal that disperse during an explosion or impact. It is a potentially lethal form of debris that can cause severe harm to individuals or objects caught in its path.
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Etymology of SHRAPNEL
The word "shrapnel" is named after Henry Shrapnel, a British army officer and inventor who developed an early form of an artillery shell. Henry Shrapnel was born in 1761 in Bradford-on-Avon, England. He joined the British Army in 1779 and rose to the rank of Major General. Shrapnel focused on improving the effectiveness of artillery in the early 19th century.
In the 1780s, Shrapnel began developing a shell that would release a shower of small metal pieces upon explosion, intended to cause maximum damage to enemy troops. His invention, called the "spherical case shot", was patented in 1803.
The term "shrapnel" was coined in honor of Henry Shrapnel and became widely used to refer to any fragments or small metal pieces that result from the explosion of a shell.
Similar spelling words for SHRAPNEL
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