gelignite

[ jel-ig-nahyt ]

noun

1. gelatin dynamite.

gelignite

/ ˈdʒɛlɪɡˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a type of dynamite in which the nitrogelatine is absorbed in a base of wood pulp and potassium or sodium nitrate Also called (informal)gellyˈdʒɛlɪ

Word History and Origins

Origin of gelignite¹

gel(atin) + Latin ign ( is ) fire + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of gelignite¹

C19: from gel ( atine ) + Latin ignis fire + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Nontraditional flavors ammonium nitrate, C-4, and gelignite did not test well.

From The Daily Beast

"But I was not aware that we had any gelignite or giant powder in our possession," I interrupted.

From Project Gutenberg

A time came when the gun-cotton and gelignite got scarce, and a powder explosive called ammonal had to be used.

From Project Gutenberg

The manner of the damage was not quite what one would have expected from gelignite, or some equally powerful preparation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• nitroglycerin