napalm
[ ney-pahm ]
/ ˈneɪ pɑm /
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noun
a highly incendiary jellylike substance used in fire bombs, flamethrowers, etc.
verb (used with object)
to drop bombs containing napalm on (troops, a city, or the like).
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Origin of napalm
An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; na(phthene) + palm(itate)
Words nearby napalm
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for napalm
British Dictionary definitions for napalm
napalm
/ (ˈneɪpɑːm, ˈnæ-) /
noun
a thick and highly incendiary liquid, usually consisting of petrol gelled with aluminium soaps, used in firebombs, flame-throwers, etc
verb
(tr) to attack with napalm
Word Origin for napalm
C20: from na (phthene) + palm (itate)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Scientific definitions for napalm
napalm
[ nā′päm′ ]
A firm jelly made by mixing gasoline with aluminum salts (made of fatty acids). It is used in some bombs and in flamethrowers. Napalm was developed during World War II.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.