artillery

ar-til-ler-y · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Large-caliber guns used in warfare on land.

  2. 2.

    A military unit equipped with such weapons.

  3. 3.

    The branch of an army that uses large guns.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    heavy artillery — Large guns; figuratively, powerful resources.
  • •
    field artillery — Mobile guns used in battle.
  • •
    bring out the heavy artillery — Use one's most powerful arguments or resources.

Related words

See also: cannon, military, weapons
Synonyms: cannons, guns, heavy weapons, ordnance

Etymology

From Old French artillerie ("implements of war"), from atillier ("to equip, arm"), possibly from Vulgar Latin apticulare ("to make fit"), from Latin aptare ("to fit").