minigun
English
![](Images/wiktionary/GAU-17_machine_gun_fired_from_UH-1N_Huey_in_2006.jpg.webp)
Minigun in use
Etymology
mini- + gun, so-called because General Electric designers scaled down the rotating-barrel 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon for 7.62×51mm ammunition (in order to create a weapon with a higher and more reliable rate of fire).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈmɪniˌɡʌn/
- Hyphenation: mini‧gun
Noun
minigun (plural miniguns)
- A machine gun with several rotating barrels, capable of firing several thousand rounds per minute.