Gunpowder

/ˈɡʌnˌpaʊ.dər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A mixture of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal used as a propellant in firearms, cannon, and fireworks.

The soldiers loaded their muskets with gunpowder before the battle.

An explosive substance used in mining and construction.

The construction crew used gunpowder to blast through the rock.

A historical term referring to the earliest type of explosive used in warfare.

The invention of gunpowder changed the dynamics of warfare in the Middle Ages.

Any explosive substance or powder that produces a rapidly burning reaction.

The fireworks display was filled with colorful bursts of gunpowder.

Derived from the combination of 'gun' and 'powder', referring to the powder used in firearms.

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.

Gunpowder can refer to a potent or exciting situation.

That party was straight-up gunpowder, everyone was having a blast!

Used metaphorically to describe something explosive in nature.

Her temper is gunpowder; you never know when she'll blow up.