Definition

Noun: A measured amount of explosive material designed to be detonated as a single unit to produce a blast, break apart a structure, or propel a projectile.

Examples of Usage

• The engineers carefully calculated the explosive charge needed to demolish the old bridge safely.
• The artillery shell contains a high-powered explosive charge in its casing.
• The mining operation uses small explosive charges to fracture rock.

Advanced Usage

• Shaped charge: A specialized explosive charge designed to focus the energy of the explosion in a specific direction, often used for armor penetration.
  • The shaped charge was designed to pierce through several inches of steel.
• Booster charge: A secondary, sensitive explosive charge used to ensure the detonation of a larger, less sensitive main charge.
  • The blasting cap initiates the booster charge, which then sets off the main explosive charge.

Variants and Related Words

• Charge (noun): In this specific context, a shortened, informal form of "explosive charge."
  • They set the charge and cleared the area.
• Burster charge: A type of explosive charge inside a projectile (like a shell or grenade) that causes it to burst and scatter its contents.
• Warhead: The front section of a missile, torpedo, or similar weapon, containing the explosive charge and detonator.

Synonyms

• Bursting charge
• Detonation charge
• Blast charge

Related Phrases

• To set off a charge: To initiate the detonation of an explosive charge.
  • The demolition team was ready to set off the charge.
• Charge weight: The mass or quantity of the explosive material in a charge.
  • The charge weight must be precise for controlled demolition.

Noun

1. a quantity of explosive to be set off at one time
   • this cartridge has a powder charge of 50 grains