bascules

/ˈbæskjuːlz/ /ˈbɑːskjuːlz/

Meanings

noun

A counterbalanced structure having one end that rises as the other lowers

Examples :

"The playground seesaw is an example of bascules; as one child goes up, the other comes down. "

noun

The portion of a breech-loading firearm that pivots open in order to allow access to the chamber.

Examples :

"The gunsmith carefully inspected the bascules of the antique shotgun for wear and tear. "

part weapon military machine

Related Words

loading verb

/ˈləʊ.dɪŋ/ /ˈloʊ.diŋ/

To put a load on or in (a means of conveyance or a place of storage).

"The dock workers refused to load the ship."

firearm noun

/ˈfaɪərɑːrm/ /ˈfaɪərɑːrm/

A personal weapon that uses explosive powder to propel a projectile often made of lead.

"The hunter carefully handled the firearm, knowing it contained explosive powder to propel the lead projectile. "

structure noun

/ˈstɹʌktʃə(ɹ)/ /ˈstɹʌktʃɚ/

A cohesive whole built up of distinct parts.

"The birds had built an amazing structure out of sticks and various discarded items."

carefully adverb

/ˈkɛːfli/ /ˈkɛɹfli/

Sorrowfully.

"He listened carefully to his mother's concerns, feeling sorrowful about her disappointment. "

counterbalanced verb

/ˈkaʊntərˌbælənst/ /ˈkaʊntərˌbæln̩st/

To apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight.

"Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound."

chamber noun

/ˈtʃeɪmbə(ɹ)/ /ˈtʃeɪmbɚ/

A room or set of rooms, particularly:

"The meeting was held in the large chamber of the school library. "

playground noun

/ˈpleɪɡɹaʊnd/

(outdoors) A large open space for children to play on, usually having dedicated play equipment (such as swings and slides).

"The school's playground was a favorite spot for the children after their classes. "

gunsmith noun

/ˈɡʌnsmɪθ/

A person skilled in the repair and servicing of firearms.

"The hunter took his damaged rifle to the gunsmith for repair. "

antique noun

/ænˈtiːk/

A grotesque representation of a figure; a gargoyle.

"The old stone building had a series of grotesque antique figures, or gargoyles, guarding its roof. "

example noun

/əɡˈzæmpl̩/ /ɘɡˈzɐːmpɯ/ /ɪɡˈzɑːmpl̩/

Something that is representative of all such things in a group.

"The teacher gave a good example of a sentence using the past tense. "

portion noun

/ˈpoəɹʃən/ /ˈpɔːʃən/ /ˈpɔɹʃən/

An allocated amount.

"The recipe called for a specific portion of flour, not the entire bag. "

inspected verb

/ɪnˈspɛktɪd/ /ɪnˈspɛktəd/

To examine critically or carefully; especially, to search out problems or determine condition; to scrutinize.

"Inspect the system for leaks."