semi-automatic meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

semi-automatic

adj

Etymology From semi- + automatic.

Partially automatic.

Of a firearm that automatically ejects a shell and loads the next one, but requires the trigger to be squeezed for each shot; autoloading.

The pro-gun majority in the House of Representatives moved Wednesday to compel the nation's capital to broaden the rights of its residents to buy and own firearms, including semi-automatic weapons.2008 September 17, “Bill in House forces capital to relax gun restrictions”, in The New York Times:

noun

Etymology From semi- + automatic.

Engineering, Government, Military, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Politics, Tools, War, Weaponry A semi-automatic firearm, especially such a pistol.

The Los Angeles ordinance covers semi-automatics with a detachable magazine of 20 rounds or more. As examples, it cited such weapons as the AR 15 assault rifles, Uzi assault rifles and carbines, Ingram Mac-10 and Mac-11 assault carbines, AK-47 assault rifles, Thompson carbines and all Avtomat Kalashnikov weapons.1989 February 8, Robert Reinhold, “LOS ANGELES BANS RAPID-FIRING GUNS”, in The New York Times:

Automotive, Transport, Vehicles A semi-automatic transmission.