An explosive (or explosive material) is a reactive substance that contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure. Explosive, any substance or device that can be made to produce a volume of rapidly expanding gas in an extremely brief period. There are three fundamental types: mechanical, nuclear, and chemical.

Understanding the Context

The meaning of EXPLOSIVE is relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion. How to use explosive in a sentence. An explosive is a substance that can be made to explode by being hit or lit on fire. You might use an explosive to create a tunnel through a mountain β€” but you probably shouldn't use one to clear weeds from your yard.

Key Insights

ATF investigates and prevents crimes that involve the unlawful manufacture, sale, possession and use of explosives. If you need assistance regarding explosives enforcement-related issues, please contact your local ATF office. An explosive is a reactive substance containing a significant amount of potential energy that undergoes an extremely rapid chemical transformation. This near-instantaneous change results in the sudden production of large volumes of hot, high-pressure gases. EXPLOSIVE definition: 1.

Final Thoughts

exploding or able to explode easily: 2. very loud and sudden, like an explosion: 3. An…. Learn more. EXPLOSIVE definition: of, involving, or characterized by an explosion or explosions | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples in American English Adjective explosive (comparative more explosive, superlative most explosive) Able to, or likely to, explode.