Ball powder is a term that is commonly used in the field of military and firearms. It is a type of gunpowder that is often used in small arms ammunition. Ball powder is known for its unique physical properties that make it a popular choice among ammunition manufacturers. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of ball powder, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Ball powder is a type of propellant that is used in ammunition. It is made up of small spheres that are uniform in size. The spheres are produced by a process called extrusion, which involves forcing the gunpowder through a small orifice to create small, round pellets. Ball powder is known for its consistent burn rate and its ability to produce a high velocity.
Origin
Ball powder was first developed by the US military in the 1950s. It was created as a replacement for the older, flake-style gunpowder that was commonly used at the time. Ball powder was designed to be more efficient and more consistent than its predecessor, and it quickly became the standard propellant for small arms ammunition.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of ball powder can be found in various dictionaries. According to Merriam-Webster, ball powder is “a smokeless powder made in the form of small spheres.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a type of gunpowder consisting of small, round pellets.”
Associations
Ball powder is often associated with the military and firearms. It is commonly used in small arms ammunition, such as rifles and handguns. Ball powder is also associated with accuracy and consistency, as it is known for producing a consistent burn rate and high velocity.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for ball powder, including extruded powder, spherical powder, and granular powder. These terms all refer to a type of gunpowder that is made up of small, uniform pellets.
Antonyms
The antonym of ball powder would be flake powder, which is an older style of gunpowder that is made up of small, flat flakes. Flake powder is less efficient than ball powder and is not commonly used in modern ammunition.
The same root words
There are no specific root words associated with ball powder, as it is a specialized term that is only used in the context of firearms and ammunition.
Example Sentences
- The ball powder used in this ammunition is known for its consistent burn rate and high velocity.
- The military has been using ball powder in their small arms ammunition for decades.
- The extrusion process used to create ball powder ensures that each pellet is uniform in size and shape.
- Spherical powder and granular powder are both synonyms for ball powder.
- Flake powder is an antonym of ball powder and is not commonly used in modern ammunition.