delayed-action

1 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly delay-action
⸗ˈ⸗ˈ⸗⸗
1
: tending to act or become effective only after some usually predetermined period of time
2
of an explosive projectile : detonating some time after it strikes the target

delayed action

2 of 2

noun

: a device for automatically releasing the shutter of a camera after a certain period of time to enable the photographer to appear in the picture

Word History

Etymology

Noun

delayed-action

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 delayed-action

DeLay

delayed-action

delayed action

Cite this Entry

“Delayed-action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delayed-action. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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