revolver
UK[rɪˈvɒlvə(r)]US[rɪˈvɑːlvər]
n
a type of handgun with a revolving cylinder that allows several bullets to be fired before reloading.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
volve
er
re
again
volve
turn, roll
er
agent/instrument
Etymology
the word "revolver" is built upon the latin root volvere, meaning "to roll or turn", which traces back to the proto-indo-european root wel-, meaning "to turn, to roll". the prefix "re-", meaning "again", combines with this root to form the verb "revolve", describing a cyclical turning motion. the suffix "-er" is then added to create an agent noun, naming the firearm by its defining mechanical feature: a cylinder that turns again to bring a new cartridge into the firing position. thus, the term logically evolved from a simple description of a rotating mechanism to the specific name for this class of pistol.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + volve (turn, roll) + er (agent/instrument)
- re: a prefix of latin origin meaning "again, back".
- volve: from the latin verb volvere, meaning "to roll, to turn".
- er: an english agent suffix, often indicating a person or thing that performs an action.
Examples
the detective drew his revolver from its holster.
the classic western film featured a dramatic shootout with six-shot revolvers.
the design of the revolver allows for a simpler mechanism compared to many semi-automatic pistons.