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Cannons Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cannons

[หˆkanษ™nz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weapon

Cannons are large, heavy guns that are often used in warfare or as part of a historical display. They are typically mounted on wheels or in fixed positions and are designed to fire explosive shells over long distances.

Synonyms

artillery, gun, howitzer.

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Word Description / Examples
cannons

Typically used to refer to large, heavy guns used in historical contexts or naval battles. Cannons are often associated with historical warfare and are usually fired from a stationary position.

  • The fort's defenses included several massive cannons
  • During the reenactment, the soldiers fired the cannons
artillery

General term for large military weapons designed to fire munitions far beyond the range of infantry weapons. It includes cannons, howitzers, and other heavy guns. 'Artillery' is often used in modern military contexts.

  • The artillery unit was stationed on the hill
  • The enemy was met with heavy artillery fire
gun

A broad term that can refer to any kind of firearm, from small handguns to large cannons. In the context of heavy weaponry, 'gun' is a less specific term and can be used to describe various types of artillery.

  • The soldier cleaned his gun before the mission
  • The navy ship's main gun was ready to fire
howitzer

A specific type of artillery piece with a short barrel, used to fire shells at high trajectories. Howitzers are used for indirect fire and are a part of modern artillery units.

  • The battalion was equipped with modern howitzers
  • They used the howitzer to shell enemy positions from a safe distance

Examples of usage

  • The ancient castle was equipped with several cannons to defend against enemy attacks.
  • The cannons on the warship boomed loudly as they fired at the approaching enemy vessels.
Context #2 | Noun

music

In music, cannons refer to a contrapuntal composition technique in which a melody is imitated by one or more voices at a fixed distance. This creates a layered and echoing effect that is characteristic of canons.

Synonyms

canon, fugue, round.

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Word Description / Examples
cannons

As the plural form of 'cannon,' use this word when referring to multiple large artillery pieces. It can also be used metaphorically in a similar vein as 'cannon' but in greater quantity.

  • The fort was protected by several cannons along its walls.
  • The debate felt like they were bringing out all their rhetorical cannons.
canon

Use 'canon' to refer to a collection of works or texts considered authoritative or classic, often used in literature, religious texts, or established rules in art and culture.

  • The works of Shakespeare are considered part of the English literary canon.
  • The Star Wars canon includes the original movies and the officially sanctioned books and comics.
round

When referring to a musical context, 'round' describes a composition in which two or more voices sing exactly the same melody but start at different times, creating harmonious overlap. It can also describe shapes or cycles.

  • They sang 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat' in a round during music class.
  • She noticed the round shape of the full moon in the night sky.
fugue

Use this word in a musical context to describe a complex composition technique used in classical music, where a theme is introduced by one part and successively taken up by others.

  • The composer was known for his intricate fugues that showcased his mastery of counterpoint.
  • Bach's 'The Art of Fugue' is a notable example of this musical form.

Examples of usage

  • Pachelbel's Canon in D is a famous piece of music that showcases the beauty of cannons.
  • The choir performed a canon where each section entered at a different time, creating a harmonious blend of voices.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'cannon' comes from the Latin word 'canna,' meaning 'a tube' or 'pipe,' which describes how they are shaped.
  • Cannons first appeared in warfare in the 13th century, originating in China where gunpowder was invented.
  • By the 17th century, cannons evolved into crucial tools in naval battles, changing how wars were fought at sea.

Technology

  • Cannons have evolved significantly from simple gunpowder designs to modern artillery that is much more precise and powerful.
  • The use of rifling (grooves inside the barrel) in the 19th century improved the accuracy and range of cannon fire.
  • Today, the principles of cannon design are still used in various military applications, including how modern shells are launched.

Pop Culture

  • Cannons are often depicted in movies and cartoons, especially in pirate tales where ships fire at each other.
  • In some sports like basketball, exciting plays are often called 'cannon shots' when players make incredible long-range baskets.
  • Cannonfire is iconic in fireworks displays, creating a sense of grandeur reminiscent of battle scenes.

Literature

  • Cannons symbolize power and destruction in classic literature, often representing the harsh realities of war.
  • Famous works like 'The Art of War' discuss weaponry's role in strategy and the outcome of conflicts throughout history.
  • In children's literature, cannons appear in stories of adventure and exploration, sometimes framed in a fun way.

Psychology

  • The loud sound of a cannon can trigger a fight-or-flight response, illustrating how noise affects human emotions.
  • Research shows that sounds associated with explosions, like cannon fire, can evoke feelings related to danger and excitement.
  • Cannons also represent authority and power; their presence can create a psychological impact in both history and modern settings.

Origin of 'cannons'

The word 'cannons' originated from the Latin word 'canna' meaning 'reed' or 'pipe'. It was later adapted into Old French as 'canon' before entering the English language. Cannons have played a significant role in warfare throughout history, evolving from early cannons made of bronze to modern artillery used in combat.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,226, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.