Definition

Noun: - A primary explosive compound: Fulminating mercury is mercuric fulminate, a highly sensitive explosive compound. In its dry state, it detonates violently from shock, friction, or heat. - A detonator component: Historically and in some applications, it is used as the initiating explosive in detonators, blasting caps, and percussion caps for firearms.

Usage

• Fulminating mercury is handled with extreme caution due to its sensitivity.
• It is primarily discussed in historical, industrial, or chemical contexts.

Examples

• The old percussion cap contained fulminating mercury to ignite the gunpowder.
• Due to its instability, fulminating mercury has been largely replaced by safer primary explosives in modern detonators.
• The laboratory stored the fulminating mercury in a specially designed, shock-proof container.

Advanced Usage

• Chemical Context: The term specifies the compound mercuric fulminate (Hg(CNO)₂), distinguishing it from other fulminates like silver fulminate.
• Historical Context: Refers to the explosive material used in early firearm ignition systems (percussion locks) and industrial blasting.

Variants and Related Words

• Mercuric fulminate: The precise chemical name for fulminating mercury.
• Fulminate (noun): A salt or ester of fulminic acid; a class of compounds known for their explosive properties.
• Primary explosive: A category of highly sensitive explosives used to initiate a larger, less sensitive secondary explosive.

Synonyms

• Mercury(II) fulminate
• Hg(CNO)₂ (chemical formula)

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to the chemical compound. It is not used metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is strictly technical.

Noun

1. a fulminate that when dry explodes violently if struck or heated; used in detonators and blasting caps and percussion caps