How do you use the word "shrapnel" in a sentence?

Q: How do you use the word "shrapnel" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "shrapnel": The shrapnel from an explosion is usually more dangerous than the shock wave. My grandfather has a piece of shrapnel in his chest.

Shrapnel Meaning

/ˈʃɹæpnəl/

Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

nounAn anti-personnel artillery shell used in World War I which carries a large number of individual bullets or balls close to the target and then ejects them to allow them to continue along the shell's trajectory and strike the target individually.

nounThe bullets or balls from the aforementioned type of artillery shell.

Sentence Examples

The shrapnel from an explosion is usually more dangerous than the shock wave.

My grandfather has a piece of shrapnel in his chest.

CEFR Practice Quiz

The bomb exploded, sending deadly sharp hot metal ____ in every direction.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

The soldier was lucky to survive the explosion, though he was treated for minor injuries from flying ____.

Word Origin & History

From Shrapnel. Named after British army officer Henry Shrapnel (1761–1842) who invented an anti-personnel shell that transported a large number of bullets to the target before releasing them, at a far greater distance than rifles could fire the bullets individually. The surname is likely a metathesized form of Charbonnel, a diminutive of Old French charbon (“charcoal”) in reference to hair color, complexion, or the like.

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"I was waiting in the queue, looking at the board / Wondering whether to have a burger or chips / Or what the shrapnel in my back pocket could afford" — 2004, “Fit But You Know It”, in Mike Skinner (lyrics), A Grand Don't Come For Free, performed by The Streets:

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