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

Words nearby gunpowder

gunnysack, gunpaper, gunplay, gunpoint, gunport, gunpowder, gunpowder plot, gunpowder tea, gunrunning, guns, gunsel

British Dictionary definitions for gunpowder tea (1 of 2)

gunpowder tea

noun

a fine variety of green tea, each leaf of which is rolled into a pellet

British Dictionary definitions for gunpowder tea (2 of 2)

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