Cordite meaning

Cordite is a type of smokeless, powerful explosive propellant used in ammunition.


Cordite definitions

Word backwards etidroc
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division cor-dite
Plural The plural of the word "cordite" is "cordites."
Total letters 7
Vogais (3) o,i,e
Consonants (4) c,r,d,t

Cordite is a type of smokeless propellant that was developed for firearms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was widely used by the British military during World War I and World War II.

Developed in the United Kingdom, cordite is a combination of two main ingredients: nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine. These components give cordite its high-energy output and clean burn properties, making it ideal for use in small arms and artillery.

Composition of Cordite

Cordite is typically made up of 37% nitrocellulose, 57% nitroglycerine, and 6% petroleum jelly or other additives. The exact composition can vary depending on the specific application and manufacturer.

Advantages of Cordite

One of the main advantages of cordite is its smokeless nature. This is important for maintaining visibility on the battlefield, especially during prolonged engagements. Additionally, cordite produces less fouling in the barrel of a firearm compared to traditional black powder.

Uses of Cordite

Cordite was primarily used in military applications, such as rifles, machine guns, and artillery pieces. Its clean-burning properties made it a preferred choice for many armed forces around the world.

Overall, cordite played a significant role in modernizing military firearms and improving their efficiency and effectiveness on the battlefield.


Cordite Examples

  1. The soldiers loaded their rifles with cordite before heading into battle.
  2. The forensic team found traces of cordite residue at the crime scene.
  3. In the early 20th century, cordite replaced gunpowder as the standard propellant for firearms.
  4. The hunter carefully packed his ammunition, making sure to include ample supplies of cordite.
  5. The military stockpiled large quantities of cordite in preparation for war.
  6. The gunsmith received a large order for custom bullets loaded with cordite.
  7. The smell of cordite filled the air as the shooting competition heated up.
  8. The artillerists carefully measured out the cordite charges for each cannon shot.
  9. The old ammunition factory was known for producing high-quality cordite cartridges.
  10. The gun enthusiasts debated the merits of cordite versus black powder for reloading their shells.


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  • Updated 20/06/2024 - 11:39:47