cordite Hear it!

cordite Definition

cord·ite (kôr′dīt′)

noun

a smokeless explosive containing nitroglycerin, guncotton, petroleum jelly, and acetone

Etymology: cord + -ite: so called from its stringy appearance

cordite Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • make: Paper was also recycled, along with bones from joint, used to make cordite or bone meal to feed hens.

Adjective modifier

  • burnt: There was no flash, but we noticed a strong smell of burnt cordite.

Modifies a noun

  • smoke: The road bridge I had just crossed to reach the hospital came under fire and clouds of cordite smoke drifted over the medical center.

Noun used with modifier

  • propellant: The propellant cordite was an essential component of ammunition during the First World War, and the solvent acetone was used in its manufacture.