CLAYMORE MINES Meaning and
Definition
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Claymore mines are anti-personnel explosive devices designed for military use. The term "claymore" comes from the Scottish Gaelic word meaning "great sword," which aptly describes the mine's shape and function. These weapons are commonly used in conflict zones and in defensive positions, providing effective defense against enemy troops or unsuspecting adversaries.
A claymore mine consists of a rectangular plastic or metallic casing, shaped like a curved convex lens, with rows of small steel balls or pellets on the front facing side. It is typically mounted on a stake or secured in a fixed position to optimize its explosive effect. The front side of the claymore mine reads "FRONT TOWARD ENEMY" to indicate its direction of detonation.
Upon activation, the mine projects an explosive force in a forward-facing cone or fan-shaped pattern, emitting projectiles with deadly shrapnel to a range of approximately 50 meters. The resulting blast effects can cause severe injury or death to anyone within the designated kill zone.
Claymore mines are typically remotely detonated, either by command wire or wireless remote control. They are often used in defensive setups, where soldiers can trigger the detonation when enemy forces approach under a particular line of sight. The use of claymore mines is subject to strict military regulations and their deployment requires specialized training.
Though primarily designed for military purposes, the unauthorized possession, use, or sale of claymore mines is illegal in many jurisdictions due to their destructive potential and potential risks to civilian populations.
Common Misspellings for CLAYMORE MINES
- xlaymore mines
- vlaymore mines
- flaymore mines
- dlaymore mines
- ckaymore mines
- cpaymore mines
- coaymore mines
- clzymore mines
- clsymore mines
- clwymore mines
- clqymore mines
- clatmore mines
- clagmore mines
- clahmore mines
- claumore mines
- cla7more mines
- cla6more mines
- claynore mines
- claykore mines
- clayjore mines
Etymology of CLAYMORE MINES
The word "claymore" in "claymore mines" has its origins in Scottish Gaelic. The term "claymore" is derived from the Gaelic term "claidheamh-mòr", which translates to "great sword". In Scottish clans, the term traditionally referred to a type of sword with a long, two-handed hilt and a broad double-edged blade.
During World War II, the British Army developed an anti-personnel mine named the "No.5 Mk. I" mine, which had a spiked wooden handle and a large cylindrical body. Due to its similar appearance to the Scottish claymore swords, soldiers began to refer to the mine as a "claymore mine" as a colloquial nickname. Over time, this informal reference became widely adopted, and the name "claymore mine" stuck.
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