Gelignite meaning

Gelignite is a highly volatile explosive material often used in demolition and mining operations.


Gelignite definitions

Word backwards etingileg
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division gel-i-gnite
Plural The plural of the word gelignite is gelignites.
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) e,i
Consonants (4) g,l,n,t

Gelignite is a type of high explosive that was commonly used in mining, quarrying, and construction industries in the past. It is a mixture of nitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, and a small amount of mineral oil or other stabilizers. This combination creates a powerful and stable explosive that can be easily detonated.

Gelignite was first synthesized in the 1870s and quickly gained popularity due to its effectiveness in breaking through tough materials like rock and concrete. Its main advantage over other explosives at the time was its stability, making it safer to handle and transport.

Composition and Properties

The main component of gelignite is nitroglycerin, a highly volatile liquid explosive. To stabilize it, nitrocellulose, a solid explosive, is added. The mixture is then combined with mineral oil or other substances to create a plastic-like substance that can be easily shaped and molded.

Safety Concerns

While gelignite was a revolutionary invention in its time, it also posed significant safety risks. Its sensitivity to heat, shock, or friction made it prone to accidental detonation. This led to several accidents in mining and construction sites, resulting in injuries and fatalities.

Regulation and Decline

Due to its safety concerns and the development of more stable explosives, the use of gelignite has declined over the years. Today, it is rarely used in industrial applications and is mostly replaced by safer alternatives. Regulations surrounding the use of explosives have also become more stringent, further limiting the use of gelignite.

In conclusion, gelignite was a groundbreaking invention that revolutionized industries like mining and construction. However, due to its safety risks and the emergence of safer alternatives, its use has dwindled. It remains an important part of the history of explosives and continues to be studied for its impact on industrial development.


Gelignite Examples

  1. The construction workers used gelignite to blast through the rocky terrain.
  2. Authorities discovered a stockpile of gelignite hidden in a remote warehouse.
  3. The bank robbers used gelignite to blow open the vault door.
  4. The military used gelignite to create controlled explosions during training exercises.
  5. Investigators found traces of gelignite at the scene of the explosion.
  6. Experts were called in to safely dispose of the old gelignite found in the abandoned mine.
  7. The terrorist group threatened to use gelignite in an upcoming attack.
  8. The demolition team carefully placed gelignite charges in the building before implosion.
  9. The movie script called for a dramatic scene involving a gelignite explosion.
  10. Forensic analysis revealed the presence of gelignite residue on the suspect's clothing.


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  • Updated 02/04/2024 - 09:12:24