lyddite

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of explosive: "lyddite" refers to a high explosive compound consisting mainly of picric acid, used especially in artillery shells. It is named after Lydd, a town in Kent, England, where it was first manufactured and tested.
   • Historical military use: In a military context, "lyddite" denotes a specific filling for shells that produces a dense, yellow smoke upon detonation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The British army adopted lyddite for its artillery shells during the Boer War. (A high explosive used in military ordnance.)
  • The explosion of a lyddite shell left a characteristic yellow cloud. (The detonation of this explosive material.)

Advanced Usage

• "lyddite shell": a shell filled with lyddite explosive.
  • The lyddite shell was known for its devastating blast and toxic fumes. (A military projectile containing this compound.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lyddite (adj): relating to or characteristic of this explosive.
  • The lyddite charge was carefully handled by the artillery crew. (The explosive charge made of or containing lyddite.)

Synonyms

• Picric acid: the chemical compound that is the main component of lyddite.
• Explosive: a substance that can cause a violent expansion of gases.

Related Idioms

• None commonly recorded. "Lyddite" is primarily a technical term with no idiomatic usage.