Cartucho

Cartucho is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese that denotes a container designed to hold a payload for delivery, most commonly in firearms and in printing devices. The core sense is a compact unit or package that contains something ready to be used or fired.

In firearms, a cartridge refers to a complete unit that includes a case, a primer, propellant, and a projectile. Modern cartridges are typically centerfire or rimfire and come in a wide range of calibers for different weapons and purposes. When fired, the propellant burns to create high-pressure gas that drives the bullet through the barrel. Cartridges are designed for reliability, safety, and reloadability, and they vary by performance, pressure ratings, and intended use.

In printing and imaging, a cartridge can describe the ink cartridge or toner cartridge used in printers and copiers. These cartridges contain ink or toner powder and are designed to be replaceable to allow continued operation of the device. Printer cartridges vary by color (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) and by compatibility with specific printer models and technologies.

Etymology of the term traces back to the French word cartouche, through Italian cartuccia, ultimately from medieval Latin cartuccia, meaning a small roll or bundle. Over time, the meaning narrowed in many languages to the container that holds a charge or payload, as in ammunition or printing supplies.

Cartucho, as a term, thus covers both the ammunition cartridge used in firearms and the consumable cartridge used in printing, reflecting the common idea of a prepared unit containing a ready-to-use payload.