I. ˈbämˌbärd, -bȧd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English bumbard, bombarde from Middle French bombarde, probably from Latin bombus deep hollow sound — more at bomb
1. : a late medieval cannon that hurled large stone balls
2. obsolete : a leather jug or bottle
3. : a large shawm
II. (ˈ)bäm|bärd, -bȧd also (ˈ)bəm- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle French bombarder, from bombarde
1. : to attack with explosive projectiles or other explosive weapons : assault with cannon and other heavy ordnance ; especially : bomb
2. : to assail vigorously or persistently (as with questions or petitions)
bombarding the governor with pleas for leniency
3. : to subject (a body or substance) to the impact of rapidly moving particles (as electrons or alpha rays)
Synonyms: see attack