camouflet

noun

ca·​mou·​flet
¦kamə¦flā
plural -s
1
: a mine so charged and placed that its detonation will destroy enemy mining tunnels
2
a
: an underground or subsurface explosion of a bomb or shell that leaves a sealed pocket of smoke and gas
b
: a pocket formed in this way

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, smoke blown into a sleeper's face from lighted paper

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near camouflet

Cite this Entry

“Camouflet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/camouflet. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!