center-fire

[ sen-ter-fahyuhr ]

adjective

1. (of a cartridge) having the primer in the center of the base. Compare rimfire ( def 1 ).
2. (of firearms) designed for the use of such cartridges.

Word History and Origins

Origin of center-fire¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Prob'ly they're center-fire ca'tridges for rim-fire guns, or vicy-versy.

From Project Gutenberg

“Twenty-two, cupronickle, center-fire,” he announced with a hard smile.

From Project Gutenberg