Semtex

American  

[sem-teks] / ˈsɛm tɛks /

noun

1. a plastic explosive that is easily tractable and almost odorless, used especially by terrorists.

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Semtex British  

/ ˈsɛmtɛks /

noun

1. a pliable plastic explosive originally produced in the Czech Republic

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Etymology

Origin of Semtex

1980–85; name given by the manufacturer; probably from Semt(ín), town in the Czech Republic where it is made + ex(plosive)

Example Sentences

Brains have the consistency of Semtex, he says: “You wouldn’t get it past security.”

From The Guardian • Jun. 3, 2017

TSA trainers began the dogs’ instruction by teaching them to recognize the scents of various chemicals that are commonly used in explosives such as TNT, C4, commercial dynamite and Semtex.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2016

T.S.A. trainers began the dogs’ instruction by teaching them to recognize the scent of various chemicals that are commonly used in explosives such as TNT, C4, commercial dynamite and Semtex.

From New York Times • May 31, 2016

The word "detected" appears in bold red letters, and a yellow circle highlights an illuminated red patch where the Semtex has touched the T-shirt.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2016

Greek investigators speculated that the explosion on the plane may have been caused by a Czechoslovak-made plastic explosive called Semtex, which East bloc countries export in large quantities to Lebanon.

From Time Magazine Archive