center-fire
Americanadjective
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(of a cartridge) having the primer in the center of the base.
-
(of firearms) designed for the use of such cartridges.
Etymology
Origin of center-fire
An Americanism dating back to 1870–75
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A semi-automatic, center-fire rifle less than 30 inches long would be considered an assault rifle regardless of its magazine capacity, for instance.
From Washington Times
Hunters with special permits would be allowed to kill one bear each with center-fire rifles and handguns, shotguns, and various types of bows.
From Reuters
Alternative methods include using center-fire pistols, bows and muzzle-loading firearms.
From Washington Times
Paracelsus traces first development as illustrated in geological forms: “The center-fire heaves underneath the earth, And the earth changes like a human face; The molten one bursts up among the rocks, Winds into the stone’s heart, outbranches bright In hidden mines, spots barren river beds, Crumbles into fine sand where sunbeams bask.”
From Project Gutenberg
“Twenty-two, cupronickle, center-fire,” he announced with a hard smile.
From Project Gutenberg
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
