explosive compound
An engineer carefully handles a small sample of an explosive compound in a secure lab.
Noun: A substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements, which has the inherent property of undergoing a rapid and violent chemical reaction, releasing a large amount of gas and heat. An explosive compound is a specific type of material designed or known to detonate or deflagrate.
The term explosive compound is used to describe a specific chemical substance with explosive properties. It is a technical term common in chemistry, materials science, military, and safety contexts. - It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., an explosive compound, several explosive compounds). - It often appears in formal, scientific, or regulatory writing.
- The laboratory was studying the stability of a new explosive compound.
- Safety protocols require special storage for any explosive compound.
- TNT (trinitrotoluene) is a well-known explosive compound.
- "High explosive compound": Refers to an explosive compound that detonates with extreme speed and shattering power.
- The warhead was filled with a powerful high explosive compound.
- "Primary explosive compound": A highly sensitive explosive compound used to initiate a larger explosion.
- The detonator contains a small amount of a primary explosive compound.
- Explosive (noun/adjective): The broader category; a substance or device that can explode. As an adjective, describing something with the potential to explode.
- The truck was carrying explosives. (noun)
- The situation was politically explosive. (adjective)
- Energetic material (noun): A more general technical term that includes explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics.
- High explosive (noun): Specifically for compounds that detonate.
- Blasting agent (noun): Often used in mining and construction.
- Explosive mixture: Often refers to a physical mixture of components (like fuel and oxidizer) that can explode, rather than a single chemical compound.
- The dust in the grain elevator formed an explosive mixture with air.
The core meaning of explosive compound is strictly chemical and technical. It should not be confused with: - Metaphorical use: The phrase is rarely used metaphorically. For figurative language describing a volatile situation, the adjective "explosive" is used alone (e.g., an explosive argument). - General "compound": Not all chemical compounds are explosive (e.g., water is a compound but not an explosive one).
An engineer carefully handles a small sample of an explosive compound in a secure lab.
- a compound that is explosive