Flamethrower

/ˈfleɪmθroʊər/ noun

Definition

A weapon that shoots a stream of burning fuel at targets.

Etymology

Compound word: 'flame' (from Latin 'flamma') + 'thrower' (one who throws). German 'Flammenwerfer' was developed in WWI, making this a relatively modern military invention term.

Kelly Says

Flamethrowers were terrifying in WWI trenches because they could reach into bunkers, and they show up in everything from sci-fi films to video games as the ultimate intimidating weapon.

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