cannon

views updated Jun 11 2018

can·non / ˈkanən/ • n. 1. (pl. usu. same) a large, heavy piece of artillery, typically mounted on wheels, formerly used in warfare. ∎ an automatic heavy gun that fires shells from an aircraft or tank.2. Engineering a heavy cylinder or hollow drum that is able to rotate independently on a shaft.

cannon

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

cannon

views updated May 18 2018

cannon.
1. Component of the Empire and Federal styles, military decoration, trophies, etc.

2. Element of architecture, often found with cannon-balls, powder-kegs, etc.

3. Cannon-shaped bollard.

4. Projecting waterspout shaped like a cannon-barrel.

A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture JAMES STEVENS CURL

cannon

views updated May 18 2018

cannon 1 piece of ordnance. XVI. — (O)F. canon — It. cannone, augm. of canna tube, CANE; see -OON.
So cannonade XVII; see -ADE.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

cannon

views updated May 23 2018

cannon a cannon is one of the emblems of St Barbara.
loose cannon a person or thing likely to cause unintentional or misdirected damage. Literally in former times, a piece of ordnance that had broken loose from its fastening or mounting, an accident especially dangerous on wooden ships of war.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

cannon

views updated Jun 27 2018

cannon Artillery piece consisting of a metal tube, used to aim and fire missiles propelled by the explosion of gunpowder in the closed end of the cylinder. Cannon, first used in the 14th century, were originally made of bronze or iron.

World Encyclopedia

cannon

views updated May 23 2018

cannon 2 stroke at billiards. XIX. alt., by assoc. with prec., of car(r)om (XVIII), shortening of carambole — Sp. carambola, f. bola ball.
Also as vb. XIX.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD