lead azide
Very Rare (Technical/Jargon)Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A highly explosive chemical compound, specifically the salt of hydrazoic acid (HN3) and lead (Pb2+), with the chemical formula Pb(N3)2.
A primary explosive used as a detonator to trigger larger, more stable secondary explosives. It is known for its sensitivity to friction, heat, and shock.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word 'lead' is pronounced /lɛd/ (like the metal), not /liːd/. The term is a compound noun referring exclusively to the specific chemical. It is not used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences. Potential minor spelling variations in surrounding text (e.g., 'practise' vs. 'practice' for the verb).
Connotations
Identical. Purely technical term with strong connotations of danger, chemistry, explosives engineering, and military/industrial use.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used only within the fields of chemistry, pyrotechnics, explosives engineering, and military ordnance. No regional variation in frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Substance] is initiated by lead azide.Lead azide [action] the secondary charge.The detonator contains [quantity] of lead azide.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A - Technical term with no idiomatic use.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Only in contexts of chemical manufacturing, defence contracting, or hazardous materials logistics.
Academic
Used in chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science papers and textbooks concerning explosives.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would only appear in news reports about industrial accidents or bomb disposal.
Technical
Standard term in explosives engineering, pyrotechnics, ammunition design, and certain chemical synthesis contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The percussion cap is designed to initiate the lead azide.
American English
- The shockwave will detonate the lead azide in the primer.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The lead azide compound is notoriously sensitive.
American English
- A lead-azide based detonator was recovered.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not applicable for A2 level).
- Lead azide is a dangerous chemical.
- Bomb disposal experts are trained to handle lead azide.
- Due to its extreme sensitivity, lead azide must be stored under strict safety conditions.
- The forensic analysis confirmed the presence of lead azide in the device.
- As a primary explosive, lead azide's rapid deflagration-to-detonation transition makes it ideal for initiating secondary charges like TNT.
- Research into safer alternatives to lead azide is driven by both its toxicity and its hazardous sensitivity to electrostatic discharge.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the metal LEAD (Pb) combined with AZIDE (a reactive nitrogen compound). It 'leads' the way to a big explosion.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A. The term is a literal, technical descriptor.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'lead' as 'вести' or 'лидер'. It is 'свинец'.
- The word 'azide' is a direct loanword, 'азид'. The full term is 'азид свинца'.
- Confusing it with 'sodium azide' (NaN3), a different but also toxic/explosive compound.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing 'lead' as /liːd/.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'it will lead azide the explosion').
- Confusing it with 'lead aside' (homophone confusion).
- Incorrect spelling: 'lead aside', 'led azide'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary use of lead azide?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Lead azide is a specific chemical compound containing lead and nitrogen. Metallic lead is a relatively stable element.
It is highly sensitive to heat, friction, and shock, causing it to detonate easily with very little stimulus, making handling extremely hazardous.
No. Its manufacture, sale, and possession are heavily restricted by law in most countries due to its use as an explosive. It is not a commercial product for the public.
It is pronounced /lɛd/, identical to the metal lead (Pb), not like the verb 'to lead' (/liːd/).