cordite

American  

[kawr-dahyt] / ˈkɔr daɪt /

noun

1. a smokeless, slow-burning powder composed of 30 to 58 percent nitroglycerin, 37 to 65 percent nitrocellulose, and 5 to 6 percent mineral jelly.

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cordite British  

/ ˈkɔːdaɪt /

noun

1. any of various explosive materials used for propelling bullets, shells, etc, containing cellulose nitrate, sometimes mixed with nitroglycerine, plasticizers, and stabilizers

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cordite Scientific  

/ kôr′dīt′ /

1. An explosive powder consisting of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and petroleum jelly, used as a propellant for guns. It does not generate smoke and is shaped into cords.

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Etymology

Origin of cordite

First recorded in 1885–90; cord + -ite ¹, so called from its cordlike form

Example Sentences

Cordite is not instantly ignited on contact with a flame such as that of a candle, because, perhaps, of the condensation of some moisture from the products of burning of the candle upon it.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 4 "Coquelin" to "Costume" by Various

A rod may be bent to a moderate extent without breaking, and Cordite M.D. especially shows considerable elasticity.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 4 "Coquelin" to "Costume" by Various

Cordite: the principal smokeless powder of the British Empire.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 3: Estremoz to Felspar by Various

England wanted Cordite, one form of this powder which the British think is the best propellant in the world.

From Kelly Miller's History of the World War for Human Rights by Miller, Kelly

Cordite is very slow in burning compared to gunpowder.

From Nitro-Explosives: A Practical Treatise by Sanford, P. Gerald (Percy Gerald)