plastic explosive: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Military
Quick answer
What does “plastic explosive” mean?
A malleable, putty-like explosive material that can be shaped by hand and adheres to surfaces, used primarily in demolition and military applications.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A malleable, putty-like explosive material that can be shaped by hand and adheres to surfaces, used primarily in demolition and military applications.
A highly versatile, moldable high explosive, typically based on RDX or PETN mixed with a plasticizing binder. Its pliable nature allows it to be conformed to irregular surfaces, making it effective for breaching and sabotage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling conventions follow standard BrE/AmE rules for the adjective 'plastic'.
Connotations
Identical strong connotations of military/demolition use and terrorism.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse, but standard term within military, security, and engineering contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “plastic explosive” in a Sentence
[Verb] + plastic explosive + [Prepositional Phrase (on/under/against)]: 'They molded the plastic explosive against the door.'[Determiner] + plastic explosive + [Verb]: 'The plastic explosive failed to detonate.'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plastic explosive” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bomb squad identified a plastic explosive charge.
- They specialise in plastic explosive detection.
American English
- The bomb squad identified a plastic explosive device.
- They specialize in plastic explosive detection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, except in security or defense industry contexts (e.g., 'The company manufactures detection systems for plastic explosives.').
Academic
Used in forensic science, materials engineering, counter-terrorism studies, and military history papers.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation due to its highly specific and sensitive nature.
Technical
Standard term in explosives engineering, military ordnance, bomb disposal manuals, and security protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plastic explosive”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plastic explosive”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plastic explosive”
- Using it as a regular adjective (e.g., 'a plastic explosive device' is correct, but 'The device was very plastic explosive' is wrong).
- Confusing it with generic 'explosive plastic' or thinking it refers to regular plastic that is explosive.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
C-4 is a specific, well-known type of plastic explosive. 'Plastic explosive' is the general category; C-4 is a brand name example within that category.
Yes, modern airport security scanners and sniffers are designed to detect the chemical signatures of various plastic explosives.
It is named for its physical plasticity (malleability), not its chemical composition. It can be kneaded and molded like putty or clay.
Yes, when referring to multiple types, batches, or discrete units (e.g., 'Several different plastic explosives were found'), the plural is acceptable. When referring to the substance generically, it is usually non-count.
A malleable, putty-like explosive material that can be shaped by hand and adheres to surfaces, used primarily in demolition and military applications.
Plastic explosive is usually technical / military in register.
Plastic explosive: in British English it is pronounced /ˌplæstɪk ɪkˈspləʊsɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌplæstɪk ɪkˈsploʊsɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to the compound term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PLASTIC' (like modeling clay) + 'EXPLOSIVE' (something that blows up). It's an explosive you can shape like plasticine.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often metaphorically used to describe a hidden, highly dangerous, and adaptable threat within a system (e.g., 'The corruption was a plastic explosive within the institution.').
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a 'plastic explosive'?