bullet etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: "boulete"
  • Medieval Latin: "bulleta"
  • Late Latin: "bulla"

Meaning:

  • A small, round or cylindrical projectile typically fired from a gun
  • A small, solid object used in various applications, such as:
    • A tip on the end of a pen or pointer
    • A fastening device for paper or metal
    • A measure of weight for precious metals (1/20 of an ounce)
  • A small, round item of food, such as a meatball or mozzarella ball
  • A mark, especially a black dot, used in lists or to indicate a choice

Origin:

The word "bullet" originates from the Late Latin word "bulla," which referred to a seal or small round object made of lead or wax. The term was likely adopted to describe a projectile because bullets were typically spherical in shape and resembled seals.

Over time, the word evolved in various languages:

  • In Old French, it became "boulete," which was used to describe both bullets and small round objects.
  • In Middle French, the term was adapted as "bullette."
  • In English, the spelling was standardized to "bullet."

The term "bullet" has come to be used in a variety of contexts, including warfare, writing, industry, and cooking.

bullet relate terms

  • bull

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  • bullet headed

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  • bullet

    Etymology Old French boulete Medieval Latin bulleta Late Latin bulla Meaning

  • slug

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  • smoke

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  • plug

    Etymology plug verb from Middle English pluggen pluggon probably from Middle Dutch

  • ping

    Etymology The word ping is derived from the sound made by sonar devices used in submar

  • bite

    Etymology The word bite comes from the Old English word bitan which means to cut or

  • lodge

    Etymology The word lodge comes from the Old English word loge meaning a small hut

  • brute

    Etymology The word brute is derived from the Old French word brute which in turn com

  • delivery

    Etymology The word delivery comes from the Middle English word deliverie which itse

  • cartridge

    Etymology of Cartridge The word cartridge comes from the Middle French word cartouche

  • missile

    Etymology The word missile is derived from the Latin word missilis which means thro