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Glite Dictionary
guncotton

guncotton

1 9.9
A highly flammable material made from cotton and strong acid used in explosives and varnish
  • noun
  • /ˈɡʌnˌkɒtən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : algodón explosivo
  • Would you argue it was not a serious infringement of my Second Amendment rights to make it illegal to sell gunpowder, guncotton, or any product containing them?

Examples

  • Due to its explosive properties, guncotton must be handled with extreme care.

  • The military stockpiled large quantities of guncotton for use in their artillery shells.

  • Guncotton is a highly flammable compound used in various guncotton explosives.

Synonyms

nitrocellulose
vsguncotton
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A very flammable chemical made from plant fiber used in old film, paint, and explosives

is made from raw plant fiber and used especially for explosives
cellulose nitrate
vsguncotton
  • Specialized
8.3

A very flammable material made from plant fibers and a strong acid, used in lacquers, early photographic film, and explosives

is the material used specifically as an explosive and lacquer ingredient
nitrocotton
vsguncotton
  • Specialized
9.9

A strong, light material made from cotton treated with acid used in films and explosives

is the material referred to when made for high explosive purposes
pyroxylin
vsguncotton
  • Specialized
9.9

A very flammable chemical made from plant fibers used to make early plastics, film, and shiny coatings

is the broader treated-cellulose compound including explosive-grade material
pyroxyline
vsguncotton
  • Specialized
9.9

A very flammable chemical used to make photographic film, plastics, and varnish

is the base chemical that also serves for explosives and films

Surface Forms

guncotton singular
guncottons plural

Morphology

guncotton = gun + cotton (semi-transparent) = gun + cotton

The components 'gun' + 'cotton' are visible, but the technical meaning 'nitrocellulose explosive/propellant' is specialized and not directly inferable by average learners.

Etymology

Guncotton combines gun and cotton; it was named because ordinary cotton is treated so it becomes a very fast-burning explosive, like a 'gun' charge, so the name helps you remember that it is 'cotton' turned into an explosive.