gunpaper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ObsoleteTechnical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “gunpaper” mean?
A type of strong, tough paper impregnated with a form of nitrated cellulose or other explosive compound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of strong, tough paper impregnated with a form of nitrated cellulose or other explosive compound; historically used in early cartridges, explosives, or as a slow-burning fuse.
May refer to any paper product specifically manufactured for use with firearms or pyrotechnics, such as wadding, cartridges, or detonator casings. In some contexts, can be used metaphorically for something with a latent, explosive potential.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern usage difference, as the term is obsolete in both varieties. Historical technical manuals from either region would use it similarly.
Connotations
Historical, industrial, potentially dangerous.
Frequency
Extremely rare. Likely only encountered in historical texts, museum displays, or specialist literature on the history of explosives.
Grammar
How to Use “gunpaper” in a Sentence
The [material] was made from gunpaper.They used gunpaper for the [fuse/cartridge].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gunpaper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The workshop would gunpaper the cylinders for the fuses.
American English
- They had to gunpaper the charges before assembly.
adjective
British English
- The gunpaper cartridge was fragile.
American English
- They discovered a gunpaper wrapper in the antique kit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Only in historical research papers on early firearms or explosives technology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
In historical descriptions of 19th-century munitions production processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gunpaper”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gunpaper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gunpaper”
- Confusing it with 'sandpaper' due to phonetic similarity.
- Assuming it is a modern term for a gun manual or target.
- Using it to refer to any paper related to guns (e.g., gun licenses).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete, highly technical term from the history of explosives and munitions.
No, that would be incorrect. The correct term is 'target paper' or 'shooting targets'.
Only in historical texts, museums specializing in military history, or academic works on the development of explosives.
It is paper that has been impregnated or treated with nitrated cellulose (guncotton) or a similar explosive compound to control its burning.
A type of strong, tough paper impregnated with a form of nitrated cellulose or other explosive compound.
Gunpaper is usually technical / historical in register.
Gunpaper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnˌpeɪpə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnˌpeɪpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GUN needing special PAPER to make its old-fashioned cartridges. GUN + PAPER = the paper for guns.
Conceptual Metaphor
LATENT DANGER / TICKING CLOCK (due to its use in fuses and explosives).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'gunpaper' most accurately described as?