Minié ball

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

/ ˈmɪn i, ˈmɪn iˌeɪ; French miˈnyeɪ /

noun

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

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Origin of Minié ball

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for minie ball

He had scarcely struck three blows before he fell dead, pierced by a Minie-ball.
The Story of a Cannoneer Under Stonewall Jackson|Edward A. Moore
At the sound of her master's voice the metif woman fell to the ground as if struck by a Minie-ball.
Among the Pines|James R. Gilmore
A Minie-ball had gone through his left arm into his breast and almost through his body, lodging in the right side of his back.
The Story of a Cannoneer Under Stonewall Jackson|Edward A. Moore
Now, for the first time, I heard the keen whistle of the Minie-ball.
The Story of a Cannoneer Under Stonewall Jackson|Edward A. Moore

Two others followed in sharp succession, and there went close by Mary's ear the waspish whine of a minie-ball.
Standard Selections|Various

British Dictionary definitions for minie ball

Minié ball

/ (ˈmɪnɪˌeɪ, French miɲe) /

noun

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

Word Origin for Minié ball

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

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