plastic explosive

American  

noun

1. a puttylike substance that contains an explosive charge, and is detonated by fuse or by remote control: used especially by terrorists and in guerrilla warfare.

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plastic explosive British  

noun

1. an adhesive jelly-like explosive substance

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Etymology

Origin of plastic explosive

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

“This was not a few pieces of plastic explosives,” Mr. Riber said.

From New York Times

Wrote Arna: “He replaced it in my bag and sent me on my way. All I can imagine is that it looked like plastic explosives or something on the X-ray.”

From Washington Post

The source offered to help Pendley obtain C4 plastic explosives, then introduced him in March to an undercover FBI agent posing as a supplier of explosives.

From Seattle Times

The drones seized last year had containers taped to them which had been filled with plastic explosives and ball bearings.

From BBC

The bridge narrowly escaped destruction in 1996 when the Irish Republican Army planted two powerful plastic explosives underneath that failed to detonate.

From New York Times