recoilless

American  

[ri-koil-lis, ree-koil-] / rɪˈkɔɪl lɪs, ˈriˌkɔɪl- /

adjective

1. having little or no recoil.

   a recoilless rifle.

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recoilless British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of recoilless

First recorded in 1945–50; recoil + -less

Example Sentences

The ministry distributed to media outlets photos of North Korean soldiers building a guard post and moving a suspected recoilless rifle to a newly built trench.

From Washington Times

The agreement for anti-tank weapons enables purchases of missiles, recoilless rifles, ammunition and other related equipment, it said, adding the purchases are pending separate investment decisions.

From Reuters

“The lightweight and effective recoilless rifle ensures readiness on the modern battlefield with multi-role capabilities through a wide array of munitions,” Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab in the U.S., said in a statement.

From Washington Times

One died in the eastern part of the city when a car bomb hit him, and the other a few months later after a recoilless rifle round tore through his cab.

From Washington Post

Decades ago, the military provided Mammoth and other ski areas with old-style recoilless rifles for controlling avalanches.

From Los Angeles Times