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

See Examples For:

fulminating powder

But his interest is a smokeless powder like the fulminating powder of the cap, whose value is solely to set fire to the powder of the scholar when the trigger is pulled.

From Sunday-School Success A Book of Practical Methods for Sunday-School Teachers and Officers by Wells, Amos R.

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

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

To make assurance doubly sure, a paste of fulminating powder and alcohol had been spread around the matches and cartridges.

From Personal Reminiscences of Early Days in California with Other Sketches; To Which Is Added the Story of His Attempted Assassination by a Former Associate on the Supreme Bench of the State by Field, Stephen Johnson