Flare Gun
/ˈflɛər ɡʌn/noun
A handheld device that fires bright pyrotechnic signals for distress calls, signaling, or illumination.
Did you know?The modern flare pistol was developed from signal technology associated with Edward Wilson Very, whose 1877 design helped standardize bright aerial distress signals at sea.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
flaren
“To spread outward, flutter, or blaze; the precise origin is uncertain, probably Germanic or expressive.”
17th Century
English
gun
“A firearm; the word developed from Gunne, a shortened form of the female name Gunnhild, associated with a weapon in medieval naming and heraldic tradition.”
1877
English
Very pistol
“A hand-fired pyrotechnic signal pistol developed by Edward Wilson Very for producing conspicuous colored lights.”
Late 19th Century
English
flare
“A bright, spreading signal light or pyrotechnic illumination.”
20th Century
English
flare gun
“A compact firearm-like launcher used to fire emergency, maritime, military, or signaling flares.”