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Definition of «shrapnel»

Shrapnel is a type of fragmented metal that is propelled through the air during an explosion. It usually consists of small, sharp pieces of metal that can cause injury or damage when they strike a person or object. The term comes from the name of British soldier and inventor Henry Shrapnell, who developed a type of exploding shell filled with shards of metal in the late 18th century to increase its destructive power.

Usage examples

  1. After the explosion, fragments of the bomb turned into deadly shrapnel, injuring several innocent bystanders.
  2. The soldier suffered from shrapnel wounds to his leg during the intense firefight.
  3. The blast from the rocket sent shrapnel flying in all directions, damaging nearby vehicles and buildings.
  4. The bomb disposal expert carefully removed the shrapnel from the explosive device to render it safe.
  5. The protective vest was designed to prevent shrapnel from penetrating the wearer's body.
  6. The metal fragments acted as shrapnel, causing significant damage to the aircraft's engine.
  7. The surgeon had to remove numerous pieces of shrapnel from the soldier's abdomen during the emergency operation.
  8. The blast wave propelled shrapnel through the air, causing injuries to anyone within its range.
  9. The armored vehicle was equipped with reinforced walls to withstand shrapnel from explosive devices.
  10. The journalist embedded with the military witnessed the devastating effects of shrapnel on the civilian population.

Phrases with «shrapnel»

Sentences with «shrapnel»

  • I took away with me a piece of shrapnel from a mortar shell that had killed a four - year - old girl just two weeks before. (religion-online.org)
  • A woman aboard a Southwest flight was nearly sucked out of the plane after a piece of shrapnel from an exploded engine broke off and shattered her window before the aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia. (nystateofpolitics.com)
  • Marjory Stoneman Douglas student Daniela Menescal, 17, was hit by shrapnel in the shooting at the school. (sun-sentinel.com)
  • (see all sentences)

See also

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