EXPLOSION Ex*plo"sion, n. Etym: [L. explosio a driving off by clapping: cf. F. explosion explosion. See Explode.]
1. The act of exploding; detonation; a chemical action which causes the sudden formation of a great volume of expanded gas; as, the explosion of gunpowder, of fire damp,etc.
2. A bursting with violence and loud noise, because of internal pressure; as, the explosion of a gun, a bomb, a steam boiler, etc.
3. A violent outburst of feeling, manifested by excited language, action, etc.; as, an explosion of wrath. A formidable explosion of high-church fanaticism. Macaulay.
EXPLOSIVE
Ex*plo"sive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. explosif.]
Defn: Driving or bursting out with violence and noise; causing explosion; as, the explosive force of gunpowder.
EXPLOSIVE
Ex*plo"sive, n.
1. An explosive agent; a compound or mixture susceptible of a rapid chemical reaction, as gunpowder, or nitro-glycerine.
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, sq. root 155-7, 184.]