high explosive

noun

: an explosive (such as TNT) that generates gas with extreme rapidity and has a shattering effect

Examples of high explosive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The video, geolocated and distributed by Reuters, was consistent with 200 to 240 tons of high explosives detonating, George William Herbert, who teaches at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in California, told the news agency. —

Alexander Smith, NBC News, 18 Sep. 2024 In the 1950s, the Soviets began planting high explosives and arms across Western Europe. —

Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 9 Aug. 2024 Up to 50,000 high explosive mortar cartridges at $61.1 million. —

Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024 Congress was notified of the impending sale, which includes more than 50 F-15 fighter jets, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, or AMRAAMs, 120-millimeter tank ammunition and high explosive mortars and tactical vehicles. —

Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for high explosive

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'high explosive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of high explosive was in 1877

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“High explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high%20explosive. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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