Munitions

Munitions

Noun (plural) · /mjuːˈnɪʃ.ənz/

Definition

Military weapons, ammunition, and equipment; the materials used in warfare, including shells, bombs, bullets, explosives, and military hardware; munitions factory — a factory producing weapons and ammunition for war.

Origin

From Latin munitio (fortification, defence), from munire (to fortify, defend, build a wall), from moenia (walls, fortifications), related to murus (wall). The word originally meaning fortification or defensive structure, developing to include the supplies and weapons used in defence and attack. Munitions entering English from Old French munition in the 15th century, with the plural form munitions becoming standard for military supplies. The munitions industry being particularly significant in the First and Second World Wars.