napalm
[ ney-pahm ]
/ ˈneɪ pɑm /
noun
a highly incendiary jellylike substance used in fire bombs, flamethrowers, etc.
verb (used with object)
to drop bombs containing napalm on (troops, a city, or the like).
Origin of napalm
An Americanism dating back to 1940–45;
na(phthene) +
palm(itate)
Words nearby napalm
Example sentences from the Web for napalm
British Dictionary definitions for napalm
napalm
/ (ˈneɪpɑːm, ˈnæ-) /
noun
a thick and highly incendiary liquid, usually consisting of petrol gelled with aluminium soaps, used in firebombs, flame-throwers, etc
verb
(tr)
to attack with napalm
Word Origin for napalm
C20: from
na (
phthene) +
palm (
itate)
Scientific definitions for napalm
napalm
[ nā′päm′ ]
A firm jelly made by mixing gasoline with aluminum salts (made of fatty acids). It is used in some bombs and in flamethrowers. Napalm was developed during World War II.