napalm

na-palm · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A highly flammable sticky jelly consisting of gasoline thickened with special soaps, used in incendiary bombs and flamethrowers.

  2. 2.

    (Verb) To attack or destroy with napalm.

Related words

See also: bomb, flamethrower, incendiary
Synonyms: incendiary

Etymology

Coined in 1942, from na(phthenic acid) + palm(itic acid), the two substances used as thickening agents in the original formulation.