ballistite

[ bal-uh-stahyt ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a smokeless powder consisting of nitroglycerine and nitrocellulose chiefly in a 40 to 60 percent ratio: used as a solid fuel for rockets.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballistite¹

First recorded in 1890–95; from French balistite; ballist(ic) ( def ) + -ite ¹( def ); formerly a trademark

Example Sentences

Ballistite: equal parts of nitroglycerine and soluble nitrocotton with some mineral jelly.

From Project Gutenberg

It was in the beginning of 1888 that he invented his well-known smokeless powder, or ballistite.

From Project Gutenberg

Ballistite was adopted by the Italian government in 1890 as a military powder.

From Project Gutenberg

The powder used with the 12-1/2-pounder was that known as 'ballistite.'

From Project Gutenberg

For ballistite the nitrocellulose is beaten up with nitroglycerine in water.

From Project Gutenberg