napalm

[ ney-pahm ]

/ ˈneɪ pɑm /

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See synonyms for: napalm / napalmed / napalming on Thesaurus.com

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

naos, nap, napa, napa cabbage, Napaeae, napalm, Napata, nape, Naperville, napery, Naphtali

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use napalm in a sentence

In late 1944, thousands of bombs packed with napalm reached the Marianas.
Wrestling with the strategy — and morality — of the firebombing of Japan|Diana Preston|April 23, 2021|Washington Post
Napalm is the infamous, goo-like substance that burns quickly when lit on fire and adheres easily to skin.
Sexually-Charged Napalm Sculptures Debut at Gallery Diet in Miami|Ann Binlot|March 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But one artist in Miami has gone even further, creating pieces made from napalm and a rare aphrodisiac soda, Nexcite.
Sexually-Charged Napalm Sculptures Debut at Gallery Diet in Miami|Ann Binlot|March 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Like napalm or the wrath of God, but for your digestive system.
Diet Like Jesus: What the Bible Says About How to Eat|Candida Moss|October 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Authorities also found the paintbrushes Holmes allegedly used to make the napalm.
Inside James Holmes’s Booby-Trapped Apartment|Christine Pelisek|January 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Urban landscapes had been devastated by napalm and white phosphorous; two major Japanese cities had been leveled by atomic bombs.
The O Word: Christopher Dickey on What Occupation Means Today|Christopher Dickey|December 6, 2011|DAILY BEAST
The napalm caught, tongues of flame and roiling, greasy smoke climbed up to the sky.
Deathworld|Harry Harrison
Clenching the gun in his teeth, the Pyrran clutched a barrel of napalm with his good hand and hurled it over on its side.
Deathworld|Harry Harrison
Two Pyrrans were rolling out drums of napalm with reckless disregard for their own safety.
Deathworld|Harry Harrison
The napalm drums were unloaded without his help and the truck vanished for more.
Deathworld|Harry Harrison
Burning wax was hotter than melted lead, and it stuck to anything it touched, worse than napalm.
Four-Day Planet|Henry Beam Piper

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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

napalm

Origin of napalm

Words nearby napalm

Words related to napalm

How to use napalm in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for napalm

Word Origin for napalm

Scientific definitions for napalm