rimfire

[ rim-fahyuh r ]

/ ˈrɪmˌfaɪər /

adjective

(of a cartridge) having the primer in a rim encircling the base.Compare center-fire(def 1).

(of a firearm) designed for the use of such cartridges.

Nearby words

rime, rime riche, rime suffisante, rimer, rimester, rimfire, rimini, rimmed, rimmed steel, rimmer, rimose

Origin of rimfire

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; rim + fire

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for rim-fire

In rim-fire cartridges the .22-calibre conical-ball cartridge is used in considerable quantity.
The Modern American Pistol and Revolver|A. C. Gould
"What we call a rim-fire saddle," laughed Searles, who joined the conversation.
John Ermine of the Yellowstone|Frederic Remington
It is also made for rifled small-arms especially for rim-fire rifles.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia|Various
You say, Mr. Hale, the prisoner told you the night you spent at his home that this rifle was rim-fire?
The Trail of the Lonesome Pine|John Fox, Jr.

Prob'ly they're center-fire ca'tridges for rim-fire guns, or vicy-versy.
The Wilderness Trail|Frank Williams

British Dictionary definitions for rim-fire

rim-fire

adjective

(of a cartridge) having the primer in the rim of the base

(of a firearm) adapted for such cartridges

Compare centre-fire

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