Simultaneous discharge of weapons (5) Crossword Clue
Answer: SALVO (5 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Simultaneous discharge of weapons" with 5 letters is "SALVO".Salvo refers to the simultaneous discharge of multiple weapons, such as guns or artillery, fired together in a coordinated burst. It is often used in military contexts to describe a powerful, sudden volley of shots meant to overwhelm or intimidate an opponent.
Why "Salvo" Fits
The clue asks for a single word (5 letters) meaning "simultaneous discharge of weapons." The answer, SALVO, fits perfectly:
- Simultaneous discharge of weapons: Salvo is the recognized term for a sudden, forceful burst of gunfire, artillery, or other weapons all at once—precisely matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With five letters, salvo fits the enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The word denotes a coordinated volley, often used in military, naval, or ceremonial contexts to describe impressive or intense firing.
Salvo is a vivid word used in warfare, sports, and debate:
Origin and usage:
- Comes from Italian and Latin roots—salva ("save" or "safe")—originally referring to a ceremonial volley, later adopted for military use.
- Used by armies, navies, and sometimes in metaphorical contexts (e.g., "a salvo of criticism").
Applications:
- Describes the opening shots in a battle (opening salvo), a coordinated barrage, or tribute salutes (gun salvos at memorials).
- Also used figuratively for the first or most vigorous shots or attacks in argument or competition.
Examples:
- “The ships fired a salvo at the enemy fleet.”
- “The debate began with an opening salvo from the opposition.”
- “Several guns delivered a salute in a single salvo.”
In quick crosswords like “Simultaneous discharge of weapons (5),” clues for military action or fighting often favor short, forceful nouns:
Definition: The clue is a direct synonym, leading straight to salvo for its established military and ceremonial meaning.
Clue type: Not cryptic, relying on vocabulary known from history or news.
Solving approach:
- Seek five-letter words for collective weapon fire—salvo is the most common, potentially competing with “volley” (6) or “burst” (5) but "salvo" is specific to arms discharge.
Crossword pattern: War and competition nouns—salvo, volley, barrage—are frequent because of their clarity and action-oriented imagery.
