Revolver Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
revolver
[หrษvษlvษr ]
Definition
firearm
A revolver is a type of handgun that has a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers (usually six), each holding a single cartridge. The user can manually rotate the cylinder to bring each chamber into alignment with the barrel, allowing for multiple shots to be fired without reloading.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| revolver |
Often used to describe a specific type of handgun with a rotating cylinder holding the bullets. It is commonly associated with Western films or historical contexts.
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| pistol |
Refers specifically to a small handgun designed to be held in one hand. It is often used in both casual and formal contexts.
|
| gun |
A broad term that can describe any kind of weapon that shoots bullets or projectiles. It is used in casual, everyday conversation.
|
| firearm |
A general term used to refer to any type of gun, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Often used in legal, formal, or technical contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The detective pulled out his revolver and aimed it at the suspect.
- She always kept a small revolver in her purse for self-defense.
- The cowboy twirled his revolver before holstering it.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Importance
- Revolvers became popular in the American West during the 19th century, often associated with cowboys and gunfighters.
- The iconic Colt .45 revolver, created in 1873, became known as 'The Peacemaker' and was widely used by law enforcement and in military service.
Pop Culture
- Revolvers are often portrayed in movies as symbols of heroism or danger, commonly used by western heroes or detectives.
- Famous fictional characters like James Bond and Dirty Harry are often associated with revolvers, emphasizing their ruggedness and reliability.
Science and Technology
- The design of revolvers introduced innovations in firearm technology, influencing the development of semi-automatic pistols.
- Most revolvers operate using a double-action or single-action mechanism, affecting how the gun is fired.
Psychology
- Owning a revolver can evoke feelings of power or control, intertwining with personal identity and societal perceptions of safety.
- Research shows that the portrayal of firearms in media can influence viewer attitudes and beliefs about gun ownership.
Origin of 'revolver'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'revolver' comes from the Latin word 'revolvฤre', meaning 'to roll back', reflecting how the cylinder rotates.
- The word began to be used in English in the 19th century to describe these kind of firearms.
The term 'revolver' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the word 'revolve' in reference to the revolving cylinder mechanism of the firearm. Revolvers have been a popular choice for self-defense, law enforcement, and military use due to their reliability and ease of operation.
See also: revolution, revolving, revolvingly.