low explosive

American  

noun

1. a relatively slow-burning explosive, usually set off by heat or friction, used for propelling charges in guns or for ordinary blasting.

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low explosive British  

noun

1. an explosive of relatively low power, as used in firearms

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Example Sentences

"The white damp of those days was due to the heavy charges of gunpowder or low explosive that were used, explosives which are forbidden now in dangerous mines."

From The Boy With the U.S. Miners by Rolt-Wheeler, Francis

Low Explosives.—The best examples of the low explosive are gunpowder and similar mixtures.

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

Skag's thoughts were on these matters when he heard, on a low explosive breath: "Most extraordinary thing I've ever seen!"

From Son of Power by Comfort, Will Levington

Gunpowder, on the other hand, is a low explosive, and produces a propelling or heaving effect.

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

Consequently a very low explosive power of the gaseous mixture, and low temperatures were obtained.

From Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants A Practice Treatise Setting Forth the Principles of Gas-Engines and Producer Design, the Selection and Installation of an Engine, Conditions of Perfect Operation, Producer-Gas Engines and Their Possibilities, the Care of Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants, with a Chapter on Volatile Hydrocarbon and Oil Engines by Mathot, R. E.