Minié ball

[ min-ee, min-ee-ey; French mee-nyey ]

noun

1. a conical bullet with a hollow base that expanded when fired, used in the 19th century.

Minié ball

/ miɲe; ˈmɪnɪˌeɪ /

noun

1. a conical rifle bullet, used in the 19th century, manufactured with a hollow base designed to expand when fired to fit the rifling

Word History and Origins

Origin of Minié ball¹

1855–60; named after C. E. Minié (1814–79), French officer who invented it

Word History and Origins

Origin of Minié ball¹

C19: named after Capt C. E. Minié (1814–1879), French army officer who invented it

Example Sentences

Guelzo deftly sketches the leading personalities on both sides, yet also has time to describe the sound made by a Minie ball.

From The Daily Beast

Presently a minie-ball came through the stove, and just grazed my head, and cut my hat.

From Project Gutenberg

During the day a minie ball struck the book and passing partly through, stopped at the 7th verse of the 52d chapter of Isiah.

From Project Gutenberg

Endeavouring to draw himself a little higher, a minie ball went through his shoulder.

From Project Gutenberg

By the way, a minie ball knocks a hole in these fellows' celebrated jackets without the slightest difficulty.

From Project Gutenberg

He paused, picked up a pebble and threw it at a comrade's foot and laughed to see him jump as from a Minie ball.

From Project Gutenberg