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Definition of "cordite" []

  • A smokeless explosive powder consisting of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and petrolatum that has been dissolved in acetone, dried, and extruded in cords. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "cordite" in a sentence
  • "The smoke and smell of cordite is absolutely overwhelming."
  • "Nitro-glycerine is also largely used in the manufacture of smokeless powders, such as cordite, ballistite, and several others."
  • "The former smokeless powder, containing a large percentage of nitro-glycerine such as "cordite," produced such an effect that the guns were used up and practically worthless, after firing fifty to sixty rounds."