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Glite Dictionary
cartridge brass

cartridge brass

7.2
A metal made from copper and zinc used for cartridge cases and tubing
  • noun
  • /ˈkɑːrtɪdʒ bræs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : latón para cartuchos
  • Engineers specified cartridge brass for the tubing due to its excellent machinability.

Examples

  • Unlike other alloys, cartridge brass offers a good balance of strength and flexibility.

  • The manufacturer uses cartridge brass for its products.

  • The ammunition factory produces millions of cartridge brass casings every year.

  • Many gunsmiths prefer cartridge brass for reloading ammunition.

  • The machinist selected high-quality cartridge brass to ensure the durability of the firearm components.

  • Many manufacturers prefer cartridge brass because it resists corrosion and provides a reliable casing for ammunition.

  • After the test firing, the leftover cartridge brass was collected for recycling and reuse in new products.

Surface Forms

cartridge brass singular
cartridge brasses plural

Morphology

cartridge + brass

The noun–noun compound is compositionally transparent: 'cartridge' specifies the use or type and 'brass' names the alloy, so a learner will infer it is the kind of brass used for cartridge cases. While the precise zinc percentage is technical, a B1 learner who knows 'cartridge' (case containing projectile) and 'brass' (copper–zinc alloy) can derive the basic meaning without prior exposure.

Etymology

Cartridge brass comes from its long use to make ammunition cartridge cases: this kind of brass can be formed and stretched without cracking, so it was perfect for thin metal shells. That's why today the name means the metal mix of copper and zinc used for 'cartridge' cases and tubing.