Dictionary

shrapnel

noun shrap·nel \ˈshrap-n^əl, especially Southern ˈsrap-\

: small metal pieces that scatter outwards from an exploding bomb, shell, or mine

plural shrapnel

Full Definition of SHRAPNEL

: a projectile that consists of a case provided with a powder charge and a large number of usually lead balls and that is exploded in flight

: bomb, mine, or shell fragments

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Henry Shrapnel †1842 English artillery officer

First Known Use: 1806

SHRAPNEL Defined for Kids

noun shrap·nel \ˈshrap-n^əl\

: small metal pieces that scatter outwards from an exploding bomb, shell, or mine

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