columbiad

noun

co·​lum·​bi·​ad

kəˈləmbēˌad

plural -s

1

capitalized : any of certain epics recounting the beginning and growth of the U.S.

also : any epic with similar subject matter

2

: an obsolete heavy long-chambered muzzle-loading gun that is very thick behind the trunnions and designed for throwing shells and shot at high angles of elevation

Word History

Etymology

French colombiade, from New Latin Columbia United States + French -ade -ad

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!