GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

  1.       
    Explosive (?), a. [Cf. F. explosif.] Driving or bursting out with violence and noise; causing explosion; as, “the explosive force of gunpowder”.

    [1913 Webster]

  2.       
    Explosive, n.
    1. An explosive agent; a compound or mixture susceptible of a rapid chemical reaction, as gunpowder, TNT, dynamite, or nitro-glycerine.

    [1913 Webster +PJC]


    2. A sound produced by an explosive impulse of the breath; (Phonetics) one of consonants p, b, t, d, k, g, which are sounded with a sort of explosive power of voice. [See Guide to Pronunciation, √ 155-7, 184.]

    [1913 Webster]