dynamite

dy-na-mite · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A high explosive consisting of nitroglycerin mixed with an absorbent material.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) Something or someone very exciting or impressive.

  3. 3.

    (Informal) Extremely impressive or effective.

  4. 4.

    To blow up or destroy with dynamite.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    dynamite stick — A cylinder of dynamite explosive
  • •
    dynamite fishing — Illegal fishing using explosives
  • •
    pure dynamite — Something extremely exciting or controversial

Related words

See also: blast, bomb, explosive
Synonyms: TNT, explosive

Etymology

Coined by Alfred Nobel in 1867 from Greek dynamis ("power") + -ite (mineral suffix).