rifle
|ri/fle|
B2
/ˈraɪfəl/
firearm; search
Etymology
Etymology Information
'rifle' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'rifler,' where 'rifler' meant 'to scratch or scrape.'
Historical Evolution
'rifler' transformed into the Middle English word 'riflen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'rifle.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to scratch or scrape,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a firearm' and 'to search through something.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a long-barreled firearm designed for precise shooting, typically used by infantry soldiers.
The soldier carried a rifle on his shoulder.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/26 11:41