Cannoned: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from 'cannon,' which originates from the Middle French word 'canon,' meaning a tube or pipe.
• In the 16th century, the term began to be associated with artillery, specifically large guns designed to fire projectiles.
• Over time, 'cannon' evolved to describe not just the weapon itself, but also the action of firing it.

Military History

• Cannons played a pivotal role in warfare from the 14th century to the 19th century, changing the dynamics of battles.
• The invention of bronze cannons in the 15th century significantly increased range and accuracy, influencing military strategies.
• The phrase 'cannon fodder' emerged during wars, referring to soldiers who were heavily exposed to danger, likened to targets for cannons.

Pop Culture

• In action movies and video games, 'cannoned' often describes heroics where characters escape or are propelled away from explosions or cannon fire.
• The term is often used metaphorically in sports, indicating a player striking the ball with great power, similar to a cannon firing.
• The concept has been illustrated in cartoons, where characters comically find themselves being shot out of cannons as a form of entertainment.

Physics

• The force behind cannon fire involves Newton's laws of motion, particularly the action-reaction principle.
• When a cannonball is fired, potential energy from the gunpowder ignites, transforming into kinetic energy and propelling the ball forward.
• The trajectory of a cannonball's flight involves principles of physics, including gravity and aerodynamics, affecting how far and fast it travels.

Art and Literature

• Cannons are often depicted in classic literature, symbolizing power, destruction, and the advancement of technology in society.
• Artists from the Romantic era frequently portrayed battles with cannons, capturing the tumult of warfare and its impact on humanity.
• In modern storytelling, the use of cannons can represent conflict or the climax of a narrative, where tension builds until a decisive moment.

At position #40,804, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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• 40801 collateralize
• 40802 engorge
• 40803 fervidly
• 40804 cannoned
• 40805 hydrogenate
• 40806 glop
• 40807 pompousness
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