gunpowder

[ guhn-pou-der ]
/ ˈgʌnˌpaʊ dər /

noun

an explosive mixture, as of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal, used in shells and cartridges, in fireworks, for blasting, etc.
Also called gunpowder tea. a fine variety of green China tea, each leaf of which is rolled into a little ball.

Origin of gunpowder

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at gun1, powder1

OTHER WORDS FROM gunpowder

gun·pow·der·y, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for gunpowder

British Dictionary definitions for gunpowder

gunpowder
/ (ˈɡʌnˌpaʊdə) /

noun

an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulphur (typical proportions are 75:15:10): used in time fuses, blasting, and fireworks Also called: black powder

Derived forms of gunpowder

gunpowdery, adjective