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bombie

bombie

9.9
A small unexploded bomb left behind after being dropped
  • noun
  • /ˈbɑːm.bi/
  • Jargon
translation icon : bombie
  • During the inspection, they found several bombies hidden in the old combat zone.

Examples

  • We squatted down in the kids' section, and she rested on my knee, and I started reading her the first few pages of the "Bombie the Zombie" story.

    Blog text (34)
  • Children often discover a bombie while playing in the fields.

  • Local farmers are concerned about bombies left from the war that pose risks to livestock.

Synonyms

bomblet
vsbombie
  • Specialized
1 9.7

A small explosive device released from a larger weapon that spreads out over an area

is a small unexploded device left after being dropped and not detonated
cluster bomblet
vsbombie
  • Specialized
9.4

A small bomb released from a larger bomb that spreads and explodes over a wide area

is a small unexploded device left after wide-area dispersal fails to detonate

Surface Forms

bombie singular
bombies plural

Morphology

bombie = bomb (transparent) = bomb + ie

The form is a familiar diminutive/informal formation (bomb + -ie) so a learner who knows 'bomb' can infer a small or informal bomb.

Etymology

The word bombie comes from the common word bomb plus the familiar ending -ie, which makes things sound 'small' or familiar, like in doggie. So a bombie is a small, unexploded bomb often left behind after cluster bombs are dropped, and that is why people are warned not to touch one.