Bomblet

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A miniature explosive device intended to be released from larger weapons that operates autonomously after deployment
2. A small submunition designed for use in military ordnance, capable of detonating independently once released
3. A tiny explosive unit meant to be ejected from larger munitions that functions on its own following its release

Etymology: "Bomblet" is a plain piece of English word-building: the noun "bomb" with the diminutive suffix "-let" attached. That suffix descends from Old French "-elet" and Old French "-et", which came from Latin "-ittus" and related forms, and entered English in Middle English, where it was used to mark something small, as in "streamlet" or "booklet." The base word has a longer story. "Bomb" passed from Ancient Greek "bómbos", a word for a booming or buzzing sound, into Latin as "bombus", then into Italian as "bomba" and French as "bombe", before reaching English. The sense of a hollow explosive shell grew out of that booming noise, so the word's first meaning was the sound itself.