recoilless

[ ri-koil-lis, ree-koil- ]

adjective

1. having little or no recoil:

   a recoilless rifle.

recoilless

/ rɪˈkɔɪllɪs /

adjective

1. denoting a gun, esp an antitank weapon, in which the blast is vented to the rear so as to eliminate or reduce recoil

Word History and Origins

Origin of recoilless¹

First recorded in 1945–50; recoil + -less

Example Sentences

The policeman had his .75 recoilless revolver out and pressed against Jon's side.

From Project Gutenberg

The heavy thud of a recoilless .75 came from the room behind him and a foot-long section of metal window frame leaped outward.

From Project Gutenberg

Homer said, "Tell Bey to bring along an extra 9mm Recoilless for me."

From Project Gutenberg

They were practically recoilless, but the burst drifted him forward against the cradle harness.

From Project Gutenberg

Auto-weapons and small arms and light cannon banged, and bombs and recoilless-rifle shells crashed, on the lower terraces.

From Project Gutenberg