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breechloader

breechloader

9.3
A gun you load at the back of the barrel
  • noun
  • /ˈbriːtʃˌloʊdər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arma de carga por la culata
  • The breechloader was invented in the 19th century.

Examples

  • The museum displayed a 19th-century breechloader alongside other historical firearms.

  • Hunters appreciated the improved accuracy and convenience of their new breechloaders.

  • After the invention of the breechloader, reloading became much faster and more efficient.

  • Many breechloaders are used in modern hunting rifles.

  • The hunter proudly displayed his new breechloader at the shooting range.

  • Many soldiers during the Civil War used a breechloader for faster reloading.

  • Compared to older models, a breechloader allows for easier handling and quicker firing.

How Old-fashioned

antique
109 5.6
muzzleloader
  • Specialized
2 8.9
breechloader
  • Specialized
9.3

Surface Forms

breechloader singular
breechloaders plural

Morphology

breechloader = breech + loader (transparent) = breech + load + er

Formed straightforwardly from 'breech' + 'loader' (a loader associated with the breech), so the meaning is directly derivable from the components.

Etymology

Breechloader comes from breech ('rear' or 'back') and loader ('one who loads'), so it names a gun you load at the back of the barrel rather than at the front, which made reloading much faster.