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

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

Tomorrow's general election has spurred social commentary from noted grime bloggers like Hyperfrank, while hip-hop DJ Semtex has been tweeting on the importance of reading each party's manifesto and giving them all a fair hearing.

From The Guardian • May 5, 2010

Dark orange in color and claylike in consistency, Semtex can be detected by trained dogs but apparently not by existing airport equipment.

From Time Magazine Archive