star shell — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A type of ammunition shell which bursts to release a shower of stars for illuminating enemy positions etc.

   Examples

   Twilight deepened, and a flicker of star-shells wavered in the sky beyond Béthune.

   The sky flickered with the flash of guns, and an occasional star-shell flooded their path with light.

   More examples (1)

   To deprive the enemy of any advantage they might gain at night, he had star shells which could light up the entire countryside.

Noun

1. an artillery shell containing an illuminant

   Broader terms

   flareflash