GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Found 2 definitions
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Explosive (?), a. [Cf. F. explosif.] Driving or bursting out with violence and noise; causing explosion; as, “the explosive force of gunpowder”.
[1913 Webster]
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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]