high explosive

noun

1. a class of explosive, as TNT, in which the reaction is so rapid as to be practically instantaneous, used in shells and bombs.

high explosive

noun

1. an extremely powerful chemical explosive, such as TNT or gelignite

Other Words From

• high-ex·plosive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of high explosive¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

“You need to drill a hole in the side of a high explosive rocket and suck the stuff out,” Kaszeta said.

From The Daily Beast

Anything made of iron and containing high explosive and detonator will be welcome.

From Project Gutenberg

In this chair is a charge of high explosive and above it a glass bulb containing sulphuric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

We reached the top of the grade, when suddenly from out of the pit of darkness ahead of us there came a high explosive shell.

From Project Gutenberg

The Bolshevists would blow up the fabric with high explosive, with horror.

From Project Gutenberg

The task had to be done under fire of heavy guns with high-explosive shell, and it was a fine piece of work.

From Project Gutenberg