Definitions for: Explosive


[n] a chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change (with the production of gas) on being heated or struck
[adj] tending or serving to explode or characterized by explosion or sudden outburst; "an explosive device"; "explosive gas"; "explosive force"; "explosive violence"; "an explosive temper"
[adj] sudden and loud; "an explosive laugh"
[adj] liable to lead to sudden change or violence; "an explosive issue"; "a volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation"



Webster (1913) Definition: Ex*plo"sive, a. [Cf. F. explosif.]
Driving or bursting out with violence and noise; causing
explosion; as, the explosive force of gunpowder.


Ex*plo"sive, n.
1. An explosive agent; a compound or mixture susceptible of a
rapid chemical reaction, as gunpowder, or nitro-glycerine.

2. A sound produced by an explosive impulse of the breath;
(Phonetics) one of consonants p, b, t, d, k, g, which are
sounded with a sort of explosive power of voice.

Note: [See Guide to Pronunciation, [root] 155-7, 184.]

Synonyms: bursting, detonating, detonative, exploding, sudden, unstable, volatile

Antonyms: nonexplosive

See Also: azoimide, blasting gelatin, burster, bursting charge, charge, chemical, cordite, dynamite, explosive charge, explosive device, gunpowder, high explosive, HN, hydrazoic acid, hydrogen azide, load, payload, plastic explosive, plastique, powder, smokeless powder, TNT, trinitrotoluene, warhead

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