trinitrotoluene

[ trahy-nahy-troh-tol-yoo-een ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. TNT.

trinitrotoluene

/ traɪˌnaɪtrəʊˈtɒljʊˌɒl; traɪˌnaɪtrəʊˈtɒljʊˌiːn /

noun

1. the full name for TNT

Word History and Origins

Origin of trinitrotoluene¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; trinitro- + toluene

Example Sentences

Scientists attuned the bacteria to a chemical called 2,4-dinitrotoluene, or DNT, a volatile byproduct of trinitrotoluene, or TNT.

From New York Times

Though temporary, the affects of packing shells with trinitrotoluene - more commonly known as TNT - ran more than skin-deep.

From BBC

Trinitrotoluene, or TNT, was first used in artillery shells by the German Army in 1902.

From New York Times

Along with the MNCB, a flammable toxic compound called trinitrotoluene—more commonly known as TNT—was left lying around in pipes and underground sarcophagi.

From Salon

Both are sometimes used with trinitrotoluene, a different type of compound more commonly known as TNT.

From Economist

Related Words

• nitroglycerin