sidearm

[ sahyd-ahrm ]

/ ˈsaɪdˌɑrm /

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adverb

with a swinging motion of the arm moving to the side of the body at shoulder level or below and nearly parallel to the ground: to pitch sidearm.

adjective

thrown or performed sidearm: a sidearm curve ball; sidearm stroke.

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THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of sidearm

First recorded in 1925–30; side¹ + arm¹

side arm

noun Military.

a weapon, as a pistol or sword, carried at the side or in the belt.

First recorded in 1680–90

Glycerol in various percentages in 2.9 percent sodium citrate dihydrate solution was placed in the sidearm of the Warburg flasks.
Preservation of Bull Semen at Sub-Zero Temperatures|N. L. VanDemark
The resulting glycerol percentages after mixing the sidearm and main compartment contents were 0, 4, 8, and 12 percent.
Preservation of Bull Semen at Sub-Zero Temperatures|N. L. VanDemark
I'll hand over my sidearm to you just before your men come through the air lock.
The Highest Treason|Randall Garrett
As Barrent came through the doorway, two of the men moved back; the third, his sidearm negligently lowered, stepped forward.
The Status Civilization|Robert Sheckley

He oughtn't even to be trusted with a sidearm, let alone five companies of armed soldiers.
Ministry of Disturbance|Henry Beam Piper