/kahr"trij/ , n.
1. Also called cartouche . a cylindrical case of pasteboard, metal, or the like, for holding a complete charge of powder, and often also the bullet or the shot for a rifle, machine gun, or other small arm.
2. a case containing any explosive charge, as for blasting.
3. any small container for powder, liquid, or gas, made for ready insertion into some device or mechanism: an ink cartridge for a pen.
4. Also called magazine . Photog. a lightproof metal or plastic container for a roll of film, usually containing both the supply and take-up spools, as well as a pressure plate, for rapid loading without the necessity of threading the film.
5. Audio. pickup (def. 8).
6. a flat, compact container enclosing an endless loop of audiotape, operated by inserting into a slot in a player.
[ 1570-80; earlier cartage, cartrage, alter. of CARTOUCHE ]