firearm

[fahyuh r-ahrm] /ˈfaɪərˌɑrm/

noun

a small arms weapon, as a rifle or pistol, from which a projectile is fired by gunpowder.

Origin

1640-50; fire + arm²

Related forms

firearmed, adjective

Examples from the web for firearm

Sale or delivery at retail of firearm other than pistol or revolver.
Believe me, the first thing people do when faced with the angry end of a firearm is dive for any nearby shelter.
Ammunition or firearm parts are also banned from carry-on baggage, and all such items must be declared to the airline.
It is not only a matter of restricting use to situations where use of a firearm would otherwise be fully justified.
Gun-cotton is used as an accelerant in almost every firearm, including cannons.
He received a ten-year sentence for killing a rare animal, plus another two years for possessing an illegal firearm.
One cabinet contained projectiles and cartridges of every known firearm.
But the firearm epidemic is extremely respectful of lines drawn on a map.
He surrendered and consented to await the arrival of the local police to collect him and his illegal firearm to the jail.
Under federal law a machine-gun receiver is treated as if it were a complete firearm.

British Dictionary definitions for firearm

/ˈfaɪərˌɑːm/

noun

a weapon, esp a portable gun or pistol, from which a projectile can be discharged by an explosion caused by igniting gunpowder, etc

Word Origin and History for firearm

1640s, from fire (n.) + arm (n.2). Related: Firearms.