giant powder

American  

noun

1. dynamite composed of nitroglycerin and kieselguhr.

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giant powder British  

noun

1. dynamite composed of trinitroglycerine absorbed in kieselguhr

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Etymology

Origin of giant powder

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

For the next five years, Belanger worked primarily as a prop assistant making absurd and intricate items for ad campaigns: a giant powder puff for a Victoria’s Secret spread, a paper castle for a Tiffany’s window, white vinyl flowers for a Chanel party.

From New York Times

She went and opened a drawer, took out two giant powder puffs and stuck them in her bra.

From New York Times

An added bonus is that the off-piste scene is not intimidating, as it can be in places like Chamonix, where hardcore locals carry giant powder skis, with ice axes swinging from their backpacks – so skiers or snowboarders who haven’t done much off-piste can happily test the waters.

From The Guardian

But she was, of course, infinitely stronger than the wooden ships with which she had to fight.50.The explosive power of dynamite, or “giant powder,” as it is known in America, is something wonderful.

From Project Gutenberg

Giant powder's innocent by comparison.

From Project Gutenberg