Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of propellant explosive: "smokeless powder" refers to a modern gunpowder substitute that produces minimal visible smoke when ignited. It is primarily used as a propellant for projectiles in firearms and artillery.

Usage

• As a subject: "Smokeless powder revolutionized firearm design."
• As an object: "Modern ammunition typically contains smokeless powder."
• With modifiers: "Double-base smokeless powder contains nitroglycerin."

Examples

• The development of in the late 19th century made soldiers less visible on the battlefield.
• Compared to black powder, provides more consistent pressure and greater velocity.
• Handloaders must carefully measure charges of for safety.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In ballistics, "smokeless powder" denotes a family of propellants based on nitrocellulose (single-base) or nitrocellulose combined with nitroglycerin (double-base).
  • The researcher analyzed the burn rate of various smokeless powders.

Variants and Related Words

• Ballistite (n): A specific trade name for a double-base smokeless powder.
  • The patent for Ballistite was filed by Alfred Nobel.
• Cordite (n): A related type of smokeless propellant, often in extruded cord-like strands.
  • Cordite was widely used by the British military.

Synonyms

• Propellant: A substance used to propel a projectile.
• Gunpowder substitute: A general term for modern propellants replacing black powder.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the low-smoke propellant, not to explosives used for demolition or bursting charges. Its primary function is to propel, not to shatter.

Noun

1. an explosive (trade name Ballistite) that burns with relatively little smoke; contains pyrocellulose and is used as a propellant