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Glite Dictionary
general-purpose bomb

general-purpose bomb

4.4
A large explosive object that makes a strong blast and many flying pieces
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnərəl ˈpɜrˌpəs bɑm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bomba de propósito general
  • The military deployed a general-purpose bomb during the operation.

Examples

  • A 1,000-pound general-purpose bomb was dropped on the target during the air raid.

  • Modern general-purpose bombs are often equipped with guidance kits for improved accuracy.

  • The Air Force used a general-purpose bomb to destroy the enemy’s ammunition depot.

  • Many general-purpose bombs are used in modern warfare.

  • The military dropped a general-purpose bomb to neutralize the enemy bunker.

  • During the airstrike, a general-purpose bomb exploded, causing significant damage.

  • Engineers designed the general-purpose bomb to optimize both blast and fragmentation effects.

Synonyms

bomb
vsgeneral-purpose bomb
∞ 1.8

A container with explosive material that makes a large explosion and damages things

is a specific type defined by weight range and both blast and fragmentation effects
GP bomb
vsgeneral-purpose bomb
  • NSFW
6.0

A heavy weapon dropped from a plane to destroy buildings and hurt people

is the full technical term rather than the abbreviated form

How Powerful

superbomb
  • Archaic
1 7.5
thermonuclear bomb
  • Specialized
1 6.9
atomic bomb
  • Specialized
66 2.3
general-purpose bomb
  • Specialized
4.4
grenade
170 4.4

Surface Forms

general-purpose bomb singular
general-purpose bombs plural

Morphology

general-purpose + bomb

The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'general-purpose' (suitable for a range of uses) with 'bomb' (an explosive device): it denotes a non-specialized bomb intended for general use. This is a regular adjective+noun composition found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent meanings should be able to infer the MWE.

Etymology

General-purpose bomb is named like an everyday general-purpose tool: the bomb was made to do many jobs and hit many kinds of targets. So, the name means a large explosive made to give a big blast and send out metal pieces, for 'many uses' in war.