trunnion

American  

[truhn-yuhn] / ˈtrʌn yən /

noun

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

2. any of various similar supports for machinery.

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trunnion British  

/ ˈtrʌnjən /

noun

1. 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

2. the structure supporting such a projection

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Other Word Forms

• trunnioned adjective

Etymology

Origin of trunnion

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

Example Sentences

A failed weld on a valve casing called a trunnion caused the gas leak that forced the plant to close on July 1, he said.

From Reuters • Jul. 21, 2016

Sample military gadget is a machine-gun trunnion block, on which the gun swivels.

From Time Magazine Archive

In machining the block into shape, 14 lb. of steel is drilled, planed and ground away before the crude lump becomes a finished 6-lb. trunnion block.

From Time Magazine Archive

Early simulations did not include the pin, which was set hi place an inch away from the trunnion.

From Time Magazine Archive

The trunnion sight, a graduated sight attached to the trunnion, could be used when the muzzle had to be elevated so high that it blocked the gunner's view of the target.

From Artillery Through the Ages A Short Illustrated History of Cannon, Emphasizing Types Used in America by Manucy, Albert