high explosive


noun
  1. a class of explosive, as TNT, in which the reaction is so rapid as to be practically instantaneous, used in shells and bombs.

Origin of high explosive

1
First recorded in 1875–80

Other words from high explosive

  • high-ex·plo·sive, adjective

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British Dictionary definitions for high explosive

high explosive

noun
  1. an extremely powerful chemical explosive, such as TNT or gelignite

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012