Blasting powder is a term that has been used for centuries to describe a type of explosive material that is used to break up rocks and other hard materials. The use of blasting powder has been an important part of mining, construction, and demolition work for many years. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of blasting powder, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Blasting powder is a type of explosive material that is used to break up rocks and other hard materials. It is made up of a mixture of chemicals that react with each other to create a powerful explosion. Blasting powder is typically made up of a mixture of nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal.
Origin
The use of blasting powder can be traced back to ancient China, where it was used in fireworks and military applications. The first recorded use of blasting powder in mining was in the 17th century, when it was used to break up rock in silver mines in Germany.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, blasting powder is “an explosive powder used in blasting.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a powder used for blasting rocks or other hard materials, typically consisting of a mixture of nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal.”
Associations
Blasting powder is often associated with mining, construction, and demolition work. It is used to break up rocks and other hard materials in order to extract minerals, build structures, and clear land.
Synonyms
Synonyms for blasting powder include explosive powder, gunpowder, and dynamite.
Antonyms
Antonyms for blasting powder include non-explosive materials such as water, air, and earth.
The same root words
Blasting powder is made up of a mixture of nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal. The word “nitrate” comes from the Latin word “nitrum,” which means “saltpeter.” The word “sulfur” comes from the Latin word “sulfur,” which means “brimstone.” The word “charcoal” comes from the Old English word “charcol,” which means “charred wood.”
Example Sentences
- The construction crew used blasting powder to clear the site for the new building.
- The miners used blasting powder to break up the rock and extract the gold.
- The demolition team used blasting powder to bring down the old building.
- The fireworks display featured colorful explosions created by blasting powder.
- The military used blasting powder to create explosions that could destroy enemy fortifications.