ordnance
ORD-nuhns
/ˈɔːrdnəns/
Military weapons, ammunition, and combat vehicles, especially heavy artillery and explosives.
Refers specifically to the weapons and ammunition themselves, distinct from general supplies like food or clothing.
The story behind the word. A 14th-century spelling variant of 'ordinance' (a decree or arrangement). The 'arrangement' of military supplies, specifically the caliber and specifications of weapons, eventually split off into its own spelling to refer strictly to heavy guns and ammunition.
Word relationships
- weaponry: Weaponry is a general term for arms, while ordnance specifically emphasizes heavy military weapons, artillery, and ammunition.
- munitions: Munitions refers primarily to ammunition and explosives, whereas ordnance includes both the ammunition and the heavy guns/vehicles that fire them.
Commonly confused with
- ordinance: An ordinance is a local law or municipal regulation, while ordnance refers to military weapons and ammunition.
Collocations
- unexploded ordnance
- ordnance depot
- heavy ordnance
Example sentences
- "The factory was converted to produce heavy ordnance, including artillery shells and tank parts." A report on military manufacturing.
- "Specialized teams were brought in to clear the unexploded ordnance from the old combat zone." An account of battlefield cleanup.
Memory hook
Ordnance has one less 'i' than ordinance. Think: 'I' have no business near heavy weapons (ordnance)! Weapons without the 'i'.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'ordinance' (a local law or decree).
Fun facts
- The term 'unexploded ordnance' (UXO) is a major global humanitarian concern, with millions of active bombs still buried in former war zones.
Related words
Explore more words
disarmament, demilitarize, gear, logistics, ordinance, deploy
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