Armalite

British  

/ ˈɑːməlaɪt /

noun

1. a lightweight high-velocity rifle of various calibres, capable of automatic and semiautomatic operation

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Etymology

Origin of Armalite

C20: from Armalite Division, Fairchild Engine and Airplane Company, manufacturers

Example Sentences

Introduced to civilian buyers in 1964, the Armalite Rifle 15 Sporter and its offspring are now some of the most popular rifles in the United States and a potent symbol of what guns mean to tens of millions of Americans.

From Seattle Times

When Eugene Stoner, an ex-Marine and low-level engineer at Armalite, developed the AR-15 in the mid-1950s, he was simply trying to help his employer land a lucrative contract — the Army was eager to find a light, reliable, high-powered combat rifle.

From Los Angeles Times

The AR-15 — Armalite Rifle Model 15 — was different from other military rifles, which had always used big, heavy rounds.

From Washington Post

Colt acquired the AR-15 patent and trademark from Armalite in 1959.

From Washington Post

The U.S. military started using the rifle during the Vietnam War, with Colt — which had acquired the gun’s patent rights from Armalite — winning the contract to produce the M16.

From Washington Post