guncotton

[ guhn-kot-n ]

noun

1. a highly explosive nitrocellulose, made by breaking down clean cotton in a mixture of one part nitric acid and three parts sulfuric acid: used in making smokeless powder.

guncotton

/ ˈɡʌnˌkɒtən /

noun

1. cellulose nitrate containing a relatively large amount of nitrogen: used as an explosive

Word History and Origins

Origin of guncotton¹

First recorded in 1840–50; gun ¹ + cotton

Example Sentences

Over the years, many people have contended that this second explosion was very likely caused by secret stores of volatile munitions — like aluminum powder or guncotton — that detonated within the ship’s holds.

From New York Times

The wet collodion process uses guncotton dissolved in a mixture of ether and ethanol solvents—all substances we have already come across in this book—to produce syrupy, transparent fluid.

From Scientific American

The chemical composition and constitution of guncotton has been studied by a considerable number of chemists and many divergent views have been put forward on the subject.

From Project Gutenberg

"I can only just hear the row outside," added the midshipman, as the muffled reports of the guncotton explosions showed that the demolition party were doing their work thoroughly.

From Project Gutenberg

The Vieille powder, invented in 1887 and adopted in France for a magazine rifle, consisted of gelatinized guncotton with a little picric acid.

From Project Gutenberg