gelignite

noun

gel·​ig·​nite ˈje-lig-ˌnīt How to pronounce gelignite (audio)
: a dynamite in which the adsorbent base is largely potassium nitrate or a similar nitrate usually with some wood pulp

Examples of gelignite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As our special report on migration this week notes, in most rich countries immigration is political gelignite. The Economist, 15 Nov. 2019

Word History

Etymology

gelatin + Latin ignis fire + English -ite — more at igneous

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gelignite was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near gelignite

Cite this Entry

“Gelignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gelignite. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!