double-barreled
UK[ˌdʌb.əl ˈbær.əld]US[ˌdʌb.əl ˈber.əld]
adj
Having two barrels, as in a shotgun.
adj
Having two distinct purposes, parts, or aspects.
adj
Forceful or emphatic, as in a double-barreled insult or question.
Morpheme Breakdown
double
barreled
double
two
barreled
having barrels
Etymology
The word is a compound adjective formed from the English words 'double' and 'barreled'. Its primary, literal sense originates from the design of firearms, specifically a shotgun with two parallel barrels, allowing for two shots in quick succession. This concrete image of two barrels side-by-side was then extended metaphorically to describe anything with two distinct components, purposes, or a dual nature. Finally, the forceful impact of firing both barrels at once gave rise to the figurative sense describing something, like an insult or a question, that is emphatic or compounded for greater effect.
Analysis
Structure: double (two) + barreled (having barrels)
- double: From Latin duplus (twofold, double). A combining form indicating the number two.
- barreled: From Old French baril (barrel). The suffix -ed forms an adjective meaning "having or equipped with."
Examples
He inherited a beautiful antique double-barreled shotgun.
The company launched a double-barreled marketing campaign targeting both young professionals and retirees.
The journalist asked a double-barreled question that left the politician flustered.