explosive

explosive
I UK [ɪkˈspləʊsɪv] / US [ɪkˈsploʊsɪv] adjective *
1)
a) used for causing an explosion

an explosive device (= a bomb)

b) able to explode

This gas is highly explosive.

2) likely to create difficulties or to have a dangerous or violent effect

The situation along the border is potentially explosive.

3) very large in size, amount, or importance and happening over a very short period of time

explosive population growth

4) tending to express strong emotions in a noisy violent way

an explosive temper

5) very powerful

The asteroid crashed into the planet with explosive force.

6) loud and unexpected

Derived words:
explosively
adverb
explosiveness
noun uncountable
II UK [ɪkˈspləʊsɪv] / US [ɪkˈsploʊsɪv] noun [countable/uncountable]
Word forms "explosive":
singular explosive plural explosives
a substance or an object that can cause an explosion

Police found explosives hidden in the garage.

a truckful of explosive

explosives experts


English dictionary. 2014.

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  • explosive — ► ADJECTIVE 1) able or likely to explode. 2) likely to cause an eruption of anger or controversy. 3) (of an increase) sudden and dramatic. ► NOUN ▪ a substance which can be made to explode. DERIVATIVES explosively adverb explosivenes …   English terms dictionary

  • explosive — explosively, adv. explosiveness, n. /ik sploh siv/, adj. 1. tending or serving to explode: an explosive temper; Nitroglycerin is an explosive substance. 2. pertaining to or of the nature of an explosion: explosive violence. 3. likely to lead to… …   Universalium

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