cannelure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Very rare, highly technical.
Quick answer
What does “cannelure” mean?
A groove or fluting, typically one of several parallel such grooves, running lengthwise along a cylindrical object.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A groove or fluting, typically one of several parallel such grooves, running lengthwise along a cylindrical object.
Primarily refers to the spiral or longitudinal grooves cut into a bullet, artillery shell, or drill bit. Can occasionally be used in decorative arts or biology to describe similar grooving on a surface.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Strictly denotative with no cultural or emotional connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, limited to specialist texts, manuals, and advanced academic writing in relevant fields.
Grammar
How to Use “cannelure” in a Sentence
The cannelure [allows/prevents/facilitates] [gerund/noun phrase]The bullet has a cannelure [prepositional phrase]A cannelure is cut into the surface.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cannelure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The machinist will cannelure the brass casing to ensure proper crimping.
- This tool is designed to cannelure the drill bit for better chip clearance.
American English
- The manufacturer cannnelures the bullet jacket to accept the crimp.
- We need to cannelure this shaft to hold the o-ring securely.
adjective
British English
- The cannnelured section of the projectile provides a seat for the cartridge case mouth.
- A cannnelured surface improves grip on the tool.
American English
- The cannelured bullet design is standard for this caliber.
- The cannelured handle offered a much more secure grip.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in very specific technical papers on ballistics, machining, materials science, or paleontology.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core context. Found in firearms manufacturing manuals, ammunition specifications, machining guides, and some biological descriptions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cannelure”
- Mispronouncing it as 'cannel-ure' (like 'channel') instead of 'can-el-yure'.
- Using it to describe a single scratch or dent.
- Assuming it is a common word for any groove.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and highly technical term. Most native speakers will never encounter or use it.
Its primary purpose is to provide a groove where the mouth of the cartridge case can be crimped to hold the bullet securely in place.
Yes, though very rare. As a verb, it means 'to cut a groove or fluting into' something, e.g., 'to cannelure a bullet jacket'.
Rifling refers to the spiral grooves cut into the *barrel* of a firearm to impart spin to the projectile. A cannelure is a groove cut into the *bullet or shell* itself, often for crimping or lubrication.
A groove or fluting, typically one of several parallel such grooves, running lengthwise along a cylindrical object.
Cannelure is usually very rare, highly technical. in register.
Cannelure: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkænəljʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkænəˌlʊr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CANNON with a LURE (bait) - the 'lure' is the spiral GROOVE on the shell that helps it fly straight.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PATH OR TRACK FOR GUIDANCE OR RETENTION (The cannelure guides the crimp or holds lubrication).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cannelure' MOST likely to be used?