propellant explosive
- noun
- /prəˈpɛlənt ɪkˈspləʊsɪv/
- Specialized
:
explosivo propulsor
- The military tested a new propellant explosive yesterday.
Examples
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The safety protocols for storing propellant explosive materials are extremely strict due to the high risk involved.
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Solid propellant explosive mixtures are commonly used in rocket engines for space missions.
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Modern artillery relies on a propellant explosive to launch shells over long distances.
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Many propellant explosives are used in modern warfare.
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The rocket's success depended on a powerful propellant explosive to ensure a smooth launch.
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Engineers carefully calculated the amount of propellant explosive needed to propel the missile accurately.
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Using a high-quality propellant explosive is crucial for safely launching projectiles from artillery.
Synonyms
51
3.2
A fine powder that burns quickly and makes explosions for guns and fireworks
1
6.1
A material that burns or reacts to make a rocket move
1
7.6
An explosive that burns slowly and does not make a strong shock wave like black powder
A strong chemical that pushes shells, rockets, or torpedoes forward
How Explosive
- NSFW
- Specialized
13
5.8
- Specialized
51
3.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is directly compositional: 'propellant' (a material that drives rockets or projectiles) modifies 'explosive', so the combined meaning — an explosive used as a propellant — is directly derivable from the parts. This follows a common modifier+noun pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would likely understand it.
Etymology
Propellant explosive combines propellant, meaning something that 'pushes' forward, and explosive, a material that burns or explodes very quickly. Imagine a small blast behind a bullet or rocket that gives it a strong push; that picture explains why the term means an explosive used to 'launch' or push projectiles and rockets.