ammunition, often called ammo, comes from the french word "la munition". at first it meant all items used for war. this was from the latin word "munire" (to provide). it now is used only for bullets and other projectiles that are thrown at the enemy by guns, and the gunpowder or other propellant that throws the projectiles. the group word for all types of ammunition is munitions. this means any explosive thing that can be used in combat and includes bombs, missiles, warheads, and mines (landmines, naval mines, and claymore mines). these are made in munitions factories.