cordite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialist/Technical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “cordite” mean?
A smokeless explosive propellant used in firearms and artillery, composed of nitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, and petroleum jelly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A smokeless explosive propellant used in firearms and artillery, composed of nitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, and petroleum jelly.
A specific type of explosive, most commonly associated with military ammunition; by extension, can evoke the smell, smoke, or era of its historical use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or application. The term originated in the UK and is used identically in US technical/military contexts.
Connotations
In British historical context, strongly associated with the World Wars and the British military industry. In American context, it is a technical term but may be less culturally salient.
Frequency
Marginally higher frequency in UK historical and military literature due to its British invention and widespread use in the Commonwealth forces.
Grammar
How to Use “cordite” in a Sentence
The [noun] was filled/charged with cordite.The air was thick with the smell of cordite.They manufactured/produced cordite.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cordite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cordite-filled shells were ready for loading.
- A distinct cordite odour hung over the old firing range.
American English
- The cordite charge was carefully measured.
- They cleared the cordite residue from the artillery piece.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Only in specific defense or chemical manufacturing industries.
Academic
Used in historical, military history, and materials science texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be marked as a highly specialized term.
Technical
Standard term in ballistics, ammunition design, and historical weapons discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cordite”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cordite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cordite”
- Using 'cordite' as a general term for any explosive (it is a specific type of propellant).
- Misspelling as 'cordate' (which means heart-shaped).
- Pronouncing it as /kɔːrˈdiːt/ (incorrect emphasis).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern formulations have largely replaced traditional cordite, but the term is still used generically for some solid propellants in certain contexts. Its use is now mostly historical.
It is a literary metaphor implying that violent conflict has recently occurred or is imminent, evoking the aftermath of a battle.
Cordite is a specific, smokeless propellant made from nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose. Traditional gunpowder (black powder) is a less powerful, smoky mixture of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur.
It is named for its original physical form: it was extruded into long, cord-like strands (like spaghetti) before being cut to length.
A smokeless explosive propellant used in firearms and artillery, composed of nitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, and petroleum jelly.
Cordite is usually specialist/technical, historical in register.
Cordite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːdʌɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrdaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The smell of cordite (in the air): metaphor for recent or ongoing conflict/violence.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CORDITE sounds like 'cord' + 'ite'. Picture a cord or rope of explosive material used to fire a cannon.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORY IS A SCENT (The smell of cordite lingers from past conflicts).
Practice
Quiz
Cordite is primarily classified as a: