flamethrower

[ fleym-throh-er ]

noun

1. a weapon, either mounted or portable, that sprays ignited incendiary fuel for some distance.
2. Agriculture. flame cultivator.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flamethrower¹

First recorded in 1915–20; flame + thrower

Example Sentences

But he has a consistent history of being a flamethrower in the staid halls of Congress.

From BBC

They could point to the underwhelming progress made by flamethrower Bobby Miller.

From Los Angeles Times

When the Dodgers traded for Glasnow and signed him to a five-year extension, they did so understanding the risk that came with the flamethrower’s lengthy injury history.

From Los Angeles Times

A hand crew builds fire containment lines by using chainsaws and other hand tools, as well as burning areas with devices such as drip torches — a device that’s halfway between a lighter and a flamethrower.

From Los Angeles Times

Calculating velocity wasn’t precise until about 20 years ago, making it difficult to compare Joyce and Chapman to legendary flamethrowers such as Bob Feller and Nolan Ryan, who avoided injury while amassing staggering numbers.

From Los Angeles Times

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