explosive mixture
Definition
Noun: A substance formed by combining two or more components that has the potential to undergo a rapid chemical reaction, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat, light, sound, and pressure. The term emphasizes the mixture's inherent property of being capable of explosion.
Usage
The term "explosive mixture" is used to describe a blended substance where the combined components create a hazard. It is often used in scientific, industrial, and safety contexts. * In a laboratory, certain explosive mixtures must be handled inside a fume hood. * The investigation found that an explosive mixture of gases had accumulated in the mine shaft. * Creating an explosive mixture requires precise ratios of fuel and oxidizer.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: The term can be used metaphorically to describe a combination of non-physical elements that creates a volatile, high-tension situation.
- His radical ideas in the conservative boardroom created an explosive mixture.
Variants and Related Words
- Explosive (adj/n): Having the nature of an explosion; a substance that can explode.
- Mixture (n): A substance made by mixing other substances together.
- Blasting agent (n): A type of explosive material.
- Pyrotechnic composition (n): A mixture designed to produce controlled heat, light, gas, smoke, and/or sound.
Synonyms
- Detonatable mixture
- Volatile blend
- Combustible compound
Related Phrases
- To form an explosive mixture: Describes the process of gases or vapors mixing with air to reach a dangerous concentration.
- Gasoline vapors can form an explosive mixture with air in a confined space.
Noun
-
a mixture that is explosive
