Definition

1. Noun:
   • A highly flammable, jelly-like substance used in warfare: Napalm is a weaponized incendiary material, typically created by gelling gasoline with aluminum soaps or other thickeners. It is designed to stick to surfaces and burn at extremely high temperatures, used primarily in firebombs and flamethrowers.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The use of napalm in the conflict caused widespread devastation.
  • The flamethrower was loaded with napalm.

Advanced Usage

• "Napalm" as a modifier: The term is often used attributively to describe weapons or attacks employing the substance.
  • A napalm strike can have catastrophic effects.
  • They faced napalm attacks from the air.

Variants and Related Words

• Napalm bomb (n): A bomb designed to disperse and ignite napalm upon detonation.
• To napalm (v, rare/derived): To attack with napalm. (Note: This verb form is derived from the noun and is used in specific military or historical contexts).
  • The area was napalmed during the offensive.

Synonyms

• Incendiary: (adj/n) Describing weapons designed to cause fires; a substance or device that causes fires.
• Flamethrower fuel: A more specific, descriptive term for the substance's use.

Notes on Meaning

The word "napalm" originates from the aluminum soap thickeners (naphthenate and palmitate) used in its original formulation. Its primary meaning is inextricably linked to its use as a weapon of war, carrying strong connotations of destruction and intense heat. It is not used in everyday contexts outside of historical, military, or political discussions.

Noun

1. gasoline jelled with aluminum soaps; highly incendiary liquid used in fire bombs and flamethrowers