n. 1. a. A cylindrical, usually metal casing containing the primer and charge of ammunition for use in a firearm. b. Such a casing fitted with a bullet. c. A similar piece of ammunition, such as a shotgun shell. 2. A case filled with high explosives, used in blasting. 3. A small modular unit designed to be inserted into a larger piece of equipment: an ink cartridge; a disposable cartridge of caulking compound. 4. A removable case containing the stylus and electric conversion circuitry in a phonograph pickup. 5. a. A case containing magnetic tape in a reel; a cassette. b. A case containing a ribbon in a spool, for use in printers and electric typewriters. 6. A lightproof case with photographic film that can be loaded directly into a camera. [Alteration of earlier cartage, alteration of French cartouche, from Italian cartuccio, variant of cartoccio, roll of paper; see CARTOUCHE.] |
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