smokeless powder
1
5.4
- noun
- /ˈsmoʊkləs ˈpaʊdər/
- Specialized
:
pólvora sin humo
- The firepower revolution of the late nineteenth century rested on the adoption of the rifle and subsequent improvements of the weapon with smokeless powder, breechloading, and metal cartridges.
- using smokeless powder
Examples
-
They fell out of favor very abruptly when smokeless powders were introduced.
Academic text (2007) -
During this time, the Prussians in particular nimbly perfected existing technology, such as smokeless powder and the breech-loading rifle, rendering it practical for large-scale use.
Academic text (2004) -
The introduction of smokeless powder revolutionized military firearms by reducing smoke during discharge.
-
Many modern rifles are designed to use smokeless powder, allowing for increased accuracy and range.
-
Using smokeless powder, the artillery could fire without creating a visible cloud that obstructed the view.
Synonyms
A type of explosive used in guns and artillery that makes little smoke
How Smoky
15
6.7
- Specialized
1
5.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'smokeless' (emitting little or no smoke) modifying 'powder' (a fine combustible or propellant), so it denotes a powder that produces little smoke. This follows a regular adjective+noun pattern common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reliably infer the meaning.
Etymology
Smokeless powder comes from the simple image of a powder that is smokeless when it burns, unlike older 'black powder' which made thick clouds of smoke. That's why 'smokeless powder' means the modern gun powder that makes very little smoke and helps keep a shooter's view clear.