Turret Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🏰
turret
[ˈtʌrɪt ]
Definitions
military structure
A turret is a small tower that is often part of a larger structure, such as a castle or a military fortification. It usually contains a cannon or other weaponry and provides a strategic viewpoint for defense. Turrets can also refer to movable gun platforms found on vehicles, like tanks or battleships.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The turret of the castle offered a great vantage point.
- The tank's turret rotated to target the enemy accurately.
- Lookout turrets were essential in ancient fortifications.
mechanical part
In mechanics, a turret can refer to a rotating tool holder on a lathe or milling machine. This allows for the quick change of tools and enables various operations to be performed efficiently. It streamlines manufacturing processes by enhancing automation.
Synonyms
fixture, station, tool holder.
Examples of usage
- The machinist adjusted the turret to switch tools.
- A CNC machine often features an automated turret for precision.
- The turret design improved the production speed significantly.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Significance
- Turrets were essential in medieval castles for military defense, allowing archers to shoot from an elevated position.
- Some famous castles, like Neuschwanstein in Germany, feature elaborate turrets, showcasing fairy tale architecture.
- In addition to castles, turrets have appeared in forts and city walls, serving as lookout points.
Military Technology
- In modern warfare, a turret refers to a rotating platform for weapons, commonly seen on tanks and military vehicles.
- Turrets on ships are used to mount heavy artillery, allowing for effective defense and attack from various angles.
- Naval battles often featured turrets on battleships, which allowed crews to fire without exposing them to enemy fire.
Pop Culture
- Turrets feature prominently in video games, like 'Team Fortress 2', where they serve as defensive structures.
- In fantasy novels and films, turrets are often depicted as the homes of wizards or heroines waiting for rescue.
- The iconic turreted architecture is frequently used in theme parks as a symbol of magic and adventure, attracting visitors.
Architectural Styles
- Victorian architecture often included turrets as key design elements, enhancing the aesthetic of homes.
- Gothic structures frequently incorporate turrets, adding to their dramatic and elaborate appearance.
- Modern architecture may utilize turrets for purely stylistic reasons, creating eye-catching silhouettes against the skyline.
Origin of 'turret'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'turret' comes from the Old French 'tourette', meaning a small tower.
- In architecture, turrets have been used since the Middle Ages, often to add beauty and defense to buildings.
- The term has variations in other languages, like 'torretta' in Italian, reflecting similar meanings of small towers.
The word 'turret' originates from the Old French term 'tourette', which means 'little tower'. This in turn comes from the Latin word 'torretta', a diminutive form of 'torre', meaning 'tower'. Its use in the context of military fortifications dates back to medieval times when fortified castles featured numerous turrets for defense and lookout purposes. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various forms of structures and mechanisms, notably in modern military and mechanical contexts, where turrets serve vital roles in equipment like tanks and CNC machines.