ordnance
UK: ˈɔːdnəns | US: ˈɔːrdnəns
n. military materials, such as weapons, ammunition, and equipment
n. (historical) artillery or heavy firearms
ordnance = ord<order> + nance<noun suffix>
- ord (from Latin ordo, meaning "order, rank")
- nance (a variant of -ance, a noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word ordnance originated in Middle English as a variant of ordinance, which referred to authoritative orders or arrangements. By the 15th century, it specifically denoted military supplies and artillery, reflecting the "orderly" organization of weaponry in warfare. The spelling shift (ordnance vs. ordinance) helped distinguish its military sense from general decrees.
The army stockpiled ordnance in preparation for the battle.
The museum displays historical ordnance from World War II.
Proper handling of explosive ordnance requires specialized training.
The ship was loaded with heavy ordnance for coastal defense.
Engineers inspected the ordnance depot for safety compliance.