powder burn

American  

noun

1. a skin burn caused by exploding gunpowder.

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powder burn British  

noun

1. a superficial burn of the skin caused by a momentary intense explosion, esp of gunpowder

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Etymology

Origin of powder burn

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

It has a low ignition temperature of 261� C., and makes the powder burn more readily.

From Project Gutenberg

To anxious throngs who crowded into Mexico City's Palacio Nacional this week, bland President Manuel Avila Camacho displayed a two-inch swath burned in the jacket of his grey-and-red striped suit, a similar powder burn in his white shirt beneath.

From Time Magazine Archive

A powder burn forced Wafer to be left by the main party with the Indians and for a number of months he dwelt among the Cunas or San Blas people, both with the hill tribes as well as with the seafaring branch of the race on the Archipelago de San Blas.

From Time Magazine Archive

A few hours ago I could have sworn it was a powder burn; the streak left by a burning fuse.

From Project Gutenberg

On a subsequent expedition he included the surgeon, Anthony Bagnall, rather than Dr. Russell, to treat the stingray wound; and in 1609 when he received the powder burn, he left Virginia "seeing there was neither chirurgeon nor chirurgery in the fort to cure his hurt."

From Project Gutenberg