dynamite

Etymology

Coined by Nobel, the inventor. Ultimately from Ancient Greek δύναμις (dúnamis, “power”) +‎ -ite, possibly under the influence of dynamo or dynamic.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈdaɪnəmaɪt/

Noun

dynamite (usually uncountable, plural dynamites)

1. A class of explosives made from nitroglycerine in an absorbent medium such as kieselguhr, used in mining and blasting; invented by Alfred Nobel in 1867.
2. (figuratively, slang, uncountable) Anything exceptionally dangerous, exciting or wonderful.
   • 2016, Kit Moulton, Annabella (page 108)

     That girl was dynamite. Dark hair with killer blue eyes, bronze skin, and an exquisite full-figured body.

Verb

dynamite (third-person singular simple present dynamites, present participle dynamiting, simple past and past participle dynamited)

1. To blow up with dynamite or other high explosive.

See also

• cordite

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /di.na.mit/

• Audio

  (file)

• Homophones: dynamitent, dynamites

Verb

dynamite

1. first-person singular present indicative of dynamiter
2. third-person singular present indicative of dynamiter
3. first-person singular present subjunctive of dynamiter
4. first-person singular present subjunctive of dynamiter
5. second-person singular imperative of dynamiter