Minié ball

[ min-ee, min-ee-ey; French mee-nyey ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a conical bullet with a hollow base that expanded when fired, used in the 19th century.

Minié ball

/ ˈmɪnɪˌeɪ; miɲe /

a conical rifle bullet, used in the 19th century, manufactured with a hollow base designed to expand when fired to fit the rifling

1855–60; named after C. E. Minié (1814–79), French officer who invented it

C19: named after Capt C. E. Minié (1814–1879), French army officer who invented it

The leading objection to the Minié ball in this form was that the device did its work too thoroughly.

A minié ball struck his left shoulder strap, which caused it to glance, thereby saving the bone.

While leading a charge early in the afternoon, General Johnston received a Minié-ball in his leg.

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