munitions

munition (mjuːˈnɪʃən)

—vb
	(tr) to supply with munitions

[C16: via French from Latin mūnītiō fortification, from mūnīre to fortify. See ammunition]

mu'nitioner

—n

munitions (mjuːˈnɪʃənz)

—*pl n*
	(sometimes singular) military equipment and stores, esp ammunition

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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

munition

mid-15c., from M.Fr. municion "fortification," from L. munitionem (nom. munitio) "a defending, fortification," from munire "to fortify," from moenia "defensive walls," related to murus "wall." By 1530s the sense had passed through "military stores" to become "ammunition."

Example sentences

Various military sites had to move their munitions and ammo and other

explosives to a more distant, more secure sight.

The project includes site work and construction of cast-in-place concrete

structures for munitions storage and maintenance.

Since then anti-tank munitions have become even more powerful, but steel

armours have improved little.

Only later did nations reach a verdict on whether it was acceptable to target a

munitions factory next to a primary school.

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Related Words

arsenal igloo magazine navy yard

ordnance stockpile thermate weapons carrier

Matching Quote

"Far up in the country,—for we would be faithful to our experience,—in Thornton, perhaps, we met a soldier lad in the woods, going to muster in full regimentals, and holding the middle of the road; deep in the forest, with shouldered musket and military step, and thoughts of war and glory all to himself. It was a sore trial to the youth, tougher than many a battle, to get by us creditably and with soldier-like bearing. Poor man! He actually shivered like a reed in his thin military pants, and by the time we had got up with him, all the sternness that becomes the soldier had forsaken his face, and he skulked past as if he were driving his father's sheep under a sword-proof helmet. It was too much for him to carry any extra armor then, who could not easily dispose of his natural arms. And for his legs, they were like heavy artillery in boggy places; better to cut the traces and forsake them. His greaves chafed and wrestled one with another for want of other foes. But he did get by and get off with all his munitions, and lived to fight another day; and I do not record this as casting any suspicion on his honor and real bravery in the field."

-Henry David Thoreau