explosive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change (with the production of gas) on being heated or struck
  2. adjective serving to explode or characterized by explosion or sudden outburst
    • an explosive device
    • explosive gas
    • explosive force
    • explosive violence
    • an explosive temper
  3. adjective satellite liable to lead to sudden change or violence
    volatile.
    • an explosive issue
    • a volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation
  4. adjective satellite sudden and loud
    • an explosive laugh

WordNet

Ex*plo"sive adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. explosif.
Definitions
  1. Driving or bursting out with violence and noise; causing explosion; as, the explosive force of gunpowder.
Ex*plo"sive noun
Definitions
  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. See Guide to Pronunciation, &root; 155-7, 184.

Webster 1913