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Glite Dictionary
tetryl

tetryl

1 9.9
A yellow crystal explosive used in detonators to start larger explosions
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛtrɪl/
  • Archaic
: tetrilo
  • Due to its sensitivity, tetryl was replaced by safer compounds in many modern explosives.

Examples

  • The laboratory stores all tetryl in a secure, temperature-controlled facility.

  • The scientist studied tetryl for its explosive properties.

  • A small amount of tetryl was used to initiate the main charge in the device.

  • Tetryl is often used in military applications.

  • Tetryl is often used as a booster charge in military explosives.

  • The technician carefully handled the tetryl, ensuring safety precautions were followed.

  • When testing the detonators, the lab used tetryl due to its high stability.

Synonyms

explosive compound
vstetryl
  • Specialized
1 5.8

A chemical that can explode and cause a sudden violent reaction

is a specific yellow crystalline type used in detonators and as a booster
nitramine
vstetryl
  • Specialized
9.9

A yellow solid explosive used in detonators and as a base for other explosives

is used specifically as a booster charge rather than a base material

Surface Forms

tetryl singular
tetryls plural

Etymology

Tetryl is a chemical name; the ending -yl means 'a part of a molecule', and the rest of the word links it to 'nitro' explosives like TNT. So, tetryl is a name for a small, powerful explosive that is used to start bigger charges.