Rifled: meaning, definitions and examples

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rifled

 

[ ˈraɪfəld ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

firearm design

Rifled refers to the process by which the interior of a gun barrel is machined with spiral grooves. This design imparts a spin to the projectile, improving accuracy and range. Rifled barrels are a standard feature in modern firearms.

Synonyms

grooved, twisted

Examples of usage

  • The sniper used a rifled barrel for increased precision.
  • Most handguns come with rifled barrels.
  • Rifled shotguns offer better accuracy compared to smoothbore ones.
Context #2 | Verb

mechanical process

To rifle means to cut spiral grooves in the bore of a barrel. This process is essential for enhancing the stability of projectiles as they exit the firearm. Rifling can be applied to various types of barrels, including those for shotguns and rifles.

Synonyms

groove, spiral-cut

Examples of usage

  • The gunsmith rifled the new barrel to ensure it would perform well.
  • Rifling improves the flight path of the bullet.
  • He learned to rifle his own barrels for custom guns.

Translations

Translations of the word "rifled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estriado

🇮🇳 राइफल

🇩🇪 gezogenen

🇮🇩 beralur

🇺🇦 з нарізкою

🇵🇱 gwintowany

🇯🇵 ライフル

🇫🇷 rayé

🇪🇸 estriado

🇹🇷 çizgili

🇰🇷 슬롯이 있는

🇸🇦 مخروطية

🇨🇿 drážkovaný

🇸🇰 drážkovaný

🇨🇳 有槽的

🇸🇮 žlebljen

🇮🇸 röruð

🇰🇿 тесікті

🇬🇪 რვალყურა

🇦🇿 dərinləşdirilmiş

🇲🇽 estriado

Word origin

The term 'rifled' originated from the noun 'rifle,' which is derived from the Middle French word 'rifler,' meaning 'to groove' or 'to scratch'. The use of rifling in firearms dates back to the late 15th century, when gunsmiths began experimenting with interior barrel design to improve the accuracy of their weaponry. The grooves create a spin on the bullet, which stabilizes its flight path, much as a thrown spiral passes through the air more accurately. By the 18th century, rifling was standard in military firearms, offering advantages in warfare. The technique also became prevalent in hunting rifles, appealing to marksmen who required precision over long distances.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,834, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.