delayed-action

[ dih-leyd-ak-shuh n ]
/ dɪˈleɪdˈæk ʃən /

adjective

(of an explosive projectile) exploding some time after hitting the target.
Also de·lay-ac·tion [dih-ley-ak-shuh n] /dɪˈleɪˈæk ʃən/.

Origin of delayed-action

First recorded in 1890–95

British Dictionary definitions for delayed action

delayed action

delay action


noun

  1. a device for operating a mechanism, such as a camera shutter, a short time after setting
  2. (as modifier)a delayed-action fuse