fulminating powder

American  

noun

1. powder that explodes by percussion.

2. a fulminate.

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fulminating powder British  

noun

1. powder that detonates by percussion

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Etymology

Origin of fulminating powder

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

To make the common fulminating powder, 80 79.

From A Select Collection of Valuable and Curious Arts and Interesting Experiments, Which are Well Explained and Warranted Genuine and may be Performed Easily, Safely, and at Little Expense. by Unknown, Various

Some fireworks require an hour's duration for the expansion of their glory; others, as if formed from fulminating powder, expire in the very act of birth.

From Biographical Essays by De Quincey, Thomas

The fulminating powder, being in the base of the cartridge, is exploded by the blow of the hammer, which falls directly upon it.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 10, No. 59, September, 1862 by Various

In 1807 the Rev. Alexander John Forsyth obtained a patent for priming with a fulminating powder made of chlorate of potash, sulphur and charcoal, which exploded by concussion.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 6 "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad" by Various

According to M. Landgerbe, a mixture of two parts nitre, two parts neutral carbonate of potash, one part of sulphur, and six parts of common salt, all finely pulverized, makes a very powerful fulminating powder.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 351, January 10, 1829 by Various