used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It is certain that gunpowder was used "in missiles," before it was used to propel them.
breechnounUS /briːtʃ/
opening in the rear of the barrel of a gun where bullets can be loaded
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
Breech-loaders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading The earliest cannon were generally of forged iron built in strips secured by iron rings.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The earliest cannon were generally of forged iron built in strips secured by iron rings.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
CannonnounUS /ˈkænən/
a large artillery gun that is usually on wheels
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
CartridgesnounUS /ˈkɑːrtrədʒəz/
plural of “cartridge” — ammunition consisting of a cylindrical casing containing an explosive charge and a bullet; fired from a rifle or handgun
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
a period of 100 years
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading It is certain that gunpowder was used "in missiles," before it was used to propel them.
chambersnounUS /ˈtʃeɪmbərz/
English architect (1723-1796)
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
ChinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/
a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
crakys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
earlier in time; previously
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
earliestadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrliəst/
(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early
From this reading The earliest cannon were generally of forged iron built in strips secured by iron rings.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
eleventhadjectiveUS /ɪˈlevənθ/
coming next after the tenth and just before the twelfth in position
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
forgedadjectiveUS /fɔːrdʒd/
reproduced fraudulently
From this reading The earliest cannon were generally of forged iron built in strips secured by iron rings.
fourteenthadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrˈtiːnθ/
coming next after the thirteenth in position
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
usually; as a rule
From this reading The earliest cannon were generally of forged iron built in strips secured by iron rings.
gunner's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
GUNNERSnounUS /ˈɡʌnərz/
plural of “gunner” — a serviceman in the artillery
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
gunpowdernounUS /ˈɡʌnpaʊdər/
a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur in a 75:15:10 ratio which is used in gunnery, time fuses, and fireworks
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
harquebus-a-croc
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading The earliest cannon were generally of forged iron built in strips secured by iron rings.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
loadedadjectiveUS /ˈloʊdɪd/
filled with a great quantity
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
missilesnounUS /ˈmɪsəlz/
plural of “missile” — a rocket carrying a warhead of conventional or nuclear explosives; may be ballistic or directed by remote control
From this reading It is certain that gunpowder was used "in missiles," before it was used to propel them.
movableadjectiveUS /ˈmuːvəbəl/
(of personal property as opposed to real estate) can be moved from place to place (especially carried by hand)
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
to a great degree or extent
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
PowdernounUS /ˈpaʊdər/
a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
propelverbUS /prəˈpel/
cause to move forward with force
From this reading It is certain that gunpowder was used "in missiles," before it was used to propel them.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
ringsnounUS /rɪŋz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises
From this reading The earliest cannon were generally of forged iron built in strips secured by iron rings.
securedverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrd/
past form of “secure” — get by special effort
From this reading The earliest cannon were generally of forged iron built in strips secured by iron rings.
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
stripsnounUS /strɪps/
plural of “strip” — a relatively long narrow piece of something
From this reading The earliest cannon were generally of forged iron built in strips secured by iron rings.
required or under orders
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is certain that gunpowder was used "in missiles," before it was used to propel them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It is certain that gunpowder was used "in missiles," before it was used to propel them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It is certain that gunpowder was used "in missiles," before it was used to propel them.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
the act of using
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading It is certain that gunpowder was used "in missiles," before it was used to propel them.
versionnounUS /ˈvɜːrʒən/
an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is certain that gunpowder was used "in missiles," before it was used to propel them.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We find them on English ships at the end of the fourteenth century, in two kinds, the one a cannon proper, the other an early version of the harquebus-a-croc.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
westwardadverbUS /ˈwestwərd/
toward the west
From this reading GUNS AND GUNNERS Breech-loaders--Cartridges--Powder--The gunner's art Cannon were in use in Europe, it is thought, in the eleventh century; for the art of making gunpowder came westward, from China, much earlier than people have supposed.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They were loaded by movable chambers which fitted into the breech, and they were known as "crakys of war."
