lead azide

[ led ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a highly toxic, colorless crystalline compound, Pb(N 3 ) 2 , that detonates at 660°F (350°C) and is used as a detonator for explosives.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lead azide¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The website Globalsecurity.org says lead azide is widely used as an initiating explosive in high-explosive detonator devices.

From Washington Times

According to Childress, a search of the home by a hazardous materials response team turned up “small traces” of lead azide.

From Washington Times

Unlike Abdulmutallab's bomb, the new device contained lead azide, an explosive often used as a detonator.

From Scientific American

It is expensive, and most modern detonators consist of lead azide or salts of styphnic acid, with a layer of T.N.T. in a narrow aluminium cylinder.

From Project Gutenberg