Meaning & Definition of word "Gunpowder"
Gunpowder
/ˈɡʌnˌpaʊ.dər/
noun:
- 1. A mixture of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal used as a propellant in firearms, cannon, and fireworks.
- Example: The soldiers loaded their muskets with gunpowder before the battle.
- 2. An explosive substance used in mining and construction.
- Example: The construction crew used gunpowder to blast through the rock.
- 3. A historical term referring to the earliest type of explosive used in warfare.
- Example: The invention of gunpowder changed the dynamics of warfare in the Middle Ages.
- 4. Any explosive substance or powder that produces a rapidly burning reaction.
- Example: The fireworks display was filled with colorful bursts of gunpowder.
Etymology
●Derived from the combination of 'gun' and 'powder', referring to the powder used in firearms.
Common Phrases and Expressions
powder keg:
A situation that is likely to explode into violence or conflict.
smokeless powder:
A type of propellant used in firearms that produces little to no smoke.
gunpowder plot:
A historical conspiracy to blow up the English Parliament in 1605.
Related Words
explosive:
A substance that can cause an explosion due to rapid chemical reactions.
firearm:
A weapon that expels a projectile by the action of an explosive.
Slang Meanings of gunpowder
Meaning: Gunpowder can refer to a potent or exciting situation.
● Example Sentence: That party was straight-up gunpowder, everyone was having a blast!
Meaning: Used metaphorically to describe something explosive in nature.
● Example Sentence: Her temper is gunpowder; you never know when she'll blow up.