maximite

[ mak-suh-mahyt ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a powerful explosive consisting primarily of picric acid.

Word History and Origins

Origin of maximite¹

1895–1900; named after Hudson Maxim; -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Then he produced "Maximite," an explosive that can be shot through armor-plate and exploded on the other side.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dr. Maxim, now in his 71st year, who invented Maximite, Stabillite, Motorite, the U. S. variety of smokeless powder and many other explosive marvels, turned his inventive genius upon the 18th Amendment, and arrived at the conclusion that Prohibition Commissioner Roy Asa Haynes should bring suit against hotels and restaurants that sell coffee and tea.

From Time Magazine Archive