ammunition
UK[ˌæmjuˈnɪʃ(ə)n]US[ˌæmjuˈnɪʃ(ə)n]
n
a supply of bullets, shells, etc. that can be fired from weapons.
n
facts that can be used to support an argument or criticize someone.
Etymology
the word 'ammunition' entered english in the late 16th century from the french 'la munition', via a mistaken division of the phrase 'l'amunition' from 'la munition'. the french term derives from latin 'munition-', meaning 'a fortifying', from the verb 'munire' (to fortify). this latin root is itself from 'moenia' (defensive walls). the semantic evolution is clear: from the general concept of military supplies for defense ('fortification'), the meaning narrowed specifically to the projectiles and explosives used by guns and artillery. this reflects a shift from the broader logistical scope of classical warfare to the projectile-centric nature of early modern ballistics.
Analysis
the word is a loanword from french, adopted as a whole unit. it is not productively segmented into meaningful sub-parts in modern english based on its current spelling.
Examples
the soldiers were running low on ammunition.
he used the latest economic data as ammunition in the debate.
the factory worked around the clock to produce ammunition for the war effort.