smoothbore
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈsmuːðbɔːr/
KK: /smuðbɔr/
adjective
Definition
Referring to a type of firearm barrel that does not have grooves or rifling inside, allowing for the use of smooth projectiles.
Example
The hunter preferred a smoothbore shotgun for its effectiveness in shooting at close range.
Conversation
I just bought a new shotgun, and it's smootherbore than my last one.
That's cool! What made you choose a smootherbore?
I heard it's better for shooting slugs at close range.
Yeah, that makes sense. They can be really effective in those situations.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unrifled
plain
even
Antonyms
rifled
grooved
textured
noun
Definition
A type of firearm that has a smooth barrel without any grooves or rifling inside.
Example
The hunter preferred using a smoothbore for shooting at close range.
Conversation
Have you ever used a smoothbore firearm before?
No, I haven't, but I've heard they can be quite interesting.
Yeah, they don't have rifling, which affects how they shoot.
Root Explanation
Smoothbore → It is formed from "smooth" (from Old English *smeoth*, meaning even or level) and "bore" (from Old English *borian*, meaning to pierce or drill). The term "smoothbore" refers to a type of firearm barrel that is smooth inside, lacking rifling, which allows for a more even projectile path.
Memory Tip
Think of a barrel that is 'even' ('smooth') inside and is designed to 'pierce' ('bore') without grooves, which helps you remember that a smoothbore is a type of firearm with a smooth barrel.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.