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Glite Dictionary
detonative

detonative

1 9.3
That explodes or makes something explode almost at once
  • adjective
  • /ˈdɛtəˌneɪtɪv/
  • Specialized
translation icon : detonante
  • This detonative material is highly regulated.

Examples

  • The blast resulted from a detonative reaction in the confined chamber.

  • The engineers studied the detonative properties of the fuel mixture to improve safety.

  • Some chemicals are classified as detonative because they explode almost instantaneously upon ignition.

  • The detonative device was designed for maximum impact.

  • The military tested a new detonative explosive that could be deployed rapidly in combat situations.

  • Engineers worked on developing detonative materials that could enhance the efficiency of rocket launches.

  • The research focused on the detonative properties of compounds used in demolition projects.

Synonyms

explosive
vsdetonative
233 4.6

Able to burst or cause a sudden violent outburst

focuses on an almost instantaneous, actual violent burst not just a possible or figurative one

Surface Forms

detonative positive

Morphology

detonative = detonate (transparent) = detonate + ive

Formed by adding the adjective-forming suffix '-ive' to the verb 'detonate', so the relation and meaning are clear to learners who know 'detonate'.

Etymology

Detonative comes from detonate, which goes back to the Latin detonare, made from de- 'down' and tonare 'to thunder', the same root as the English word thunder. So something detonative makes a sudden, 'thunder-like' blast and therefore means 'exploding almost immediately'.