Ballistite
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of smokeless propellant explosive: Ballistite is a specific explosive compound, primarily used as a propellant in firearms and artillery. Its key characteristic is that it burns producing relatively little smoke compared to older explosives like black powder. It is composed primarily of nitrocellulose (pyrocellulose) and often includes nitroglycerin.
Usage
- Ballistite is a technical term used in contexts related to explosives, military history, ammunition, and chemistry.
- It is often referred to by its trade name, "Ballistite," which is typically capitalized.
- It is used to describe the material inside cartridges or shells that propels the projectile.
Examples
- The development of ballistite in the late 19th century revolutionized artillery and small arms by reducing the obscuring smoke on the battlefield.
- This vintage rifle cartridge is loaded with Ballistite, a double-base propellant.
- The chemist analyzed the composition of the recovered ballistite.
Advanced Usage
- "Double-base" propellant: Ballistite is often categorized as a double-base propellant because its formulation typically contains two primary explosive ingredients: nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin. This distinguishes it from single-base propellants which use only nitrocellulose.
Variants and Related Words
- Propellant (n): A general term for any substance used to propel a projectile.
- Smokeless powder (n): A broader category of propellants that burn with minimal smoke, which includes ballistite and other compounds like cordite.
- Nitrocellulose (n): Also called pyrocellulose or guncotton; a key component in ballistite and many other modern explosives.
- Cordite (n): A related type of smokeless propellant, historically a competitor to ballistite, with a different physical form and composition.
Synonyms
- Smokeless powder (in a general, categorical sense)
- Propellant explosive
- Double-base powder
Notes on Meaning
The term "ballistite" specifically refers to the invention patented by Alfred Nobel. While it belongs to the general class of "smokeless powders," it denotes a particular formulation. Its defining features are its use as a propellant (not a high explosive for demolition) and its low-smoke combustion.
Noun
-
an explosive (trade name Ballistite) that burns with relatively little smoke; contains pyrocellulose and is used as a propellant
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