Search Result for "explosive": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (1)

1. a chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change (with the production of gas) on being heated or struck;


ADJECTIVE (3)

1. serving to explode or characterized by explosion or sudden outburst;
- Example: "an explosive device"
- Example: "explosive gas"
- Example: "explosive force"
- Example: "explosive violence"
- Example: "an explosive temper"

2. liable to lead to sudden change or violence;
- Example: "an explosive issue"
- Example: "a volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation"
[syn: explosive, volatile]

3. sudden and loud;
- Example: "an explosive laugh"



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Explosive \Ex*plo"sive\, a. [Cf. F. explosif.]
   Driving or bursting out with violence and noise; causing
   explosion; as, the explosive force of gunpowder.
   [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Explosive \Ex*plo"sive\, n.
   1. An explosive agent; a compound or mixture susceptible of a
      rapid chemical reaction, as gunpowder, TNT,
      dynamite, or nitro-glycerine.
      [1913 Webster +PJC]

   2. A sound produced by an explosive impulse of the breath;
      (Phonetics) one of consonants p, b, t, d, k, g, which are
      sounded with a sort of explosive power of voice.

   Note: [See Guide to Pronunciation, [root] 155-7, 184.]
         [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

explosive
    adj 1: serving to explode or characterized by explosion or
           sudden outburst; "an explosive device"; "explosive gas";
           "explosive force"; "explosive violence"; "an explosive
           temper" [ant: nonexplosive]
    2: liable to lead to sudden change or violence; "an explosive
       issue"; "a volatile situation with troops and rioters eager
       for a confrontation" [syn: explosive, volatile]
    3: sudden and loud; "an explosive laugh"
    n 1: a chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change
         (with the production of gas) on being heated or struck