trunnion

[ truhn-yuhn ]

/ ˈtrʌn yən /

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noun

either of the two cylindrical projections on a cannon, one on each side for supporting the cannon on its carriage.

any of various similar supports for machinery.

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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.

Question 1 of 7

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

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of trunnion

First recorded in 1615–25, trunnion is from the French word trognon trunk, stump, core (of fruit)

OTHER WORDS FROM trunnion

trunnioned, adjective

Words nearby trunnion

trunk piston, trunk road, trunks, trunk show, trunnel, trunnion, Truro, truss, truss bridge, trussed, truss hoop

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use trunnion in a sentence

"Very good, my General," Dominique assented excitedly, and pushing the rusty trunnion they got it into position.
The False Chevalier|William Douw Lighthall
To this hollow trunnion there is connected the pipe from a powerful blowing engine, so that air can be driven in at will.
The Romance of War Inventions|Thomas W. Corbin
Trunnion was incensed by this absurd renunciation, nor did Peregrine bear with patience the injurious declaration.
The World's Greatest Books, Vol VIII|Arthur Mee and J.A. Hammerton, Eds.
The re-enforce is strengthened by two rows of steel hoops; the trunnion hoops form one of the outer layers.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 561, October 2, 1886|Various

The metal of the gun was ripped off for eighteen inches, and the trunnion ring was also started by the force of the blow.
The Egyptian campaigns, 1882 to 1885|Charles Royle

British Dictionary definitions for trunnion

trunnion

/ (ˈtrʌnjən) /

noun

one of a pair of coaxial projections attached to opposite sides of a container, cannon, etc, to provide a support about which it can turn in a vertical

the structure supporting such a projection

Derived forms of trunnion

trunnioned, adjective

Word Origin for trunnion

C17: from Old French trognon trunk

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