fragmentation grenade

noun

1. a grenade with a heavy metal casing that shatters, on exploding, into fragments that travel at high speed and with great force.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fragmentation grenade¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Next to them was a German DM51 fragmentation grenade.

From New York Times

Next to them was a German DM51 fragmentation grenade.

From New York Times

Officials identified the grenade as a Mark II Fragmentation Grenade with a M10A3 Fuse, a common armament that would have been used during the June 1944 D-Day assaults on Omaha and Utah Beaches in Normandy, France.

From Washington Times

They threw a fragmentation grenade over the compound wall, then followed it inside.

From New York Times

The award’s citation reads: “While attempting to maneuver out of the line of fire, Sgt. Peralta was shot and fell mortally wounded. After the initial exchange of gunfire, the insurgents broke contact, throwing a fragmentation grenade as they fled the building. The grenade came to rest near Sgt. Peralta’s head. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sgt. Peralta reached out and pulled the grenade to his body, absorbing the brunt of the blast and shielding fellow Marines only feet away.”

From Washington Times