dynamite

[dahy-nuh-mahyt]

noun

1. a high explosive, originally consisting of nitroglycerin mixed with an absorbent substance, now with ammonium nitrate usually replacing the nitroglycerin.

2. any person or thing having a spectacular effect.

verb (used with object)

dynamited, dynamiting 

1. to blow up, shatter, or destroy with dynamite.

   Saboteurs dynamited the dam.

2. to mine or charge with dynamite.

adjective

1. Informal.,  creating a spectacular or optimum effect; great; topnotch.

   a dynamite idea; a dynamite crew.

dynamite

/ ˈdaɪnəˌmaɪt /

noun

1. an explosive consisting of nitroglycerine or ammonium nitrate mixed with kieselguhr, sawdust, or wood pulp

2. informal,  a spectacular or potentially dangerous person or thing

verb

1. (tr) to mine or blow up with dynamite

dynamite

1. A powerful explosive used in blasting and mining. It typically consists of nitroglycerin and a nitrate (especially sodium nitrate or ammonium nitrate), combined with an absorbent material that makes it safer to handle.

Other Word Forms

• dynamiter noun
• dynamitic adjective
• dynamitically adverb
• undynamited adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dynamite¹

From Swedish dynamit, introduced by Alfred Bernhard Nobel ( def. ), its inventor in 1867; dynam-, -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dynamite¹

C19 (coined by Alfred Nobel): from _dynamo- + _-ite ¹

Example Sentences

Classic mystery crime: the teen-age couple tried and acquitted for dynamiting her parents aboard their yacht in Newport Harbor.

From Los Angeles Times

However, by sticking to the plan, Roberts was forced to reenact his nightly routine of juggling sticks of dynamite.

From Los Angeles Times

They radioed authorities on the ground: It looks like dynamite.

From Los Angeles Times

Think Wile E. Coyote and the burning wick attached to a bundle of Acme dynamite.

From Salon

But some judges and state lawyers said the history shows that when new dangers arose — including stored gunpowder, dynamite and machine guns — new restrictions were written into law.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• nitroglycerin