cordite

[ kawr-dahyt ]

noun

1. a smokeless, slow-burning powder composed of 30 to 58 percent nitroglycerin, 37 to 65 percent nitrocellulose, and 5 to 6 percent mineral jelly.

cordite

/ ˈkɔːdaɪt /

noun

1. any of various explosive materials used for propelling bullets, shells, etc, containing cellulose nitrate, sometimes mixed with nitroglycerine, plasticizers, and stabilizers

cordite

/ kôr′dīt′ /

1. An explosive powder consisting of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and petroleum jelly, used as a propellant for guns. It does not generate smoke and is shaped into cords.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cordite¹

First recorded in 1885–90; cord + -ite ¹, so called from its cordlike form

Word History and Origins

Origin of cordite¹

C19: from cord + -ite ¹, referring to its stringy appearance

Example Sentences

“And I heard the door slam. I heard the shots. I smelled the cordite. I went out of my office, Dan rushed right by me, and I walked into Harvey’s office.”

From Los Angeles Times

The men hit the ground as the blast hit, the smell of cordite and dust going deep into their nostrils.

From Los Angeles Times

Fierro could smell the cordite from the ammunition, saw the flashes and dove, pushing his friend down before falling backwards.

From Washington Times

“I heard the shot. I smelled the cordite.”

From Washington Post

Then we were on the move again, fresh craters along our route and the smell of cordite and smoke in the air.

From BBC