autofrettage

noun

au·​to·​fret·​tage
ˈȯ-tō-ˌfre-tij
plural -s
: the application of such interior pressure to the bore of a heavy ordnance gun as will deform the inner layers of steel beyond the elastic limit that would be reached by the explosion of any charge to be used subsequently in the gun

Word History

Etymology

probably from French, from aut- + frettage

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autofrettage was in 1919

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near autofrettage

Cite this Entry

“Autofrettage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autofrettage. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!