minigun

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A machine gun with several rotating barrels, capable of firing several thousand rounds per minute.

Pronunciation

/ˈmɪniˌɡʌn/

Word forms

minigun miniguns mini-gun

Etymology

From mini- + gun, so-called because General Electric designers scaled down the rotating-barrel 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon for 7.62×51mm ammunition (in order to create a weapon with a higher and more reliable rate of fire).

Derived words

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