Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

delayed-action

American  
[dih-leyd-ak-shuhn] / dɪˈleɪdˈæk ʃən /
Also delay-action

adjective

  1. (of an explosive projectile) exploding some time after hitting the target.


delayed action British  

noun

    1. a device for operating a mechanism, such as a camera shutter, a short time after setting

    2. ( as modifier )

      a delayed-action fuse

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of delayed-action

First recorded in 1890–95

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.

In a delayed-action scenario, debt in 2050-51 would be 23% of GDP higher than in the early-action scenario, it said.

From Reuters

For the past few days, entering the complex has been “like trying to avoid triggering an invisible delayed-action land mine,” said Steve Herman, Voice of America’s White House bureau chief.

From Washington Post

Dad set up a still camera on a tripod, connected the delayed-action attachment, and took a series of pictures showing us lowering the coffin into the grave and covering it with sand.

From Literature

For photographs taken in the sunlight, Dad had a delayed-action release that allowed him to click the camera and then run and get into the picture himself before the shutter was released.

From Literature

Once we were seated to Dad’s satisfaction, he would focus, tell us to smile, click the delayed-action release, and race for the driver’s seat.

From Literature