powder charge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Military
Quick answer
What does “powder charge” mean?
A measured quantity of explosive powder, designed to propel a projectile from a firearm or artillery piece.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A measured quantity of explosive powder, designed to propel a projectile from a firearm or artillery piece.
The propellant in ammunition; also used figuratively for a source of explosive energy or impetus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in core meaning. UK usage may be slightly more associated with historical artillery; US with modern ballistics and reloading.
Connotations
Technical/military/ballistic connotations identical. No significant difference.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specific technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “powder charge” in a Sentence
[verb] + powder charge (e.g., load, measure, reduce, ignite)powder charge + [preposition] + [noun] (e.g., powder charge for the cannon)adjective + powder charge (e.g., standard, reduced, double)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “powder charge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He carefully powder-charged the antique musket before the re-enactment.
American English
- They powder-charged each shell according to the manual.
adjective
British English
- The powder-charge measurement is critical for historical accuracy.
American English
- A powder-charge mishap can cause a dangerous squib load.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, military, or ballistic engineering texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare, limited to enthusiasts (e.g., hunters, historical re-enactors).
Technical
Standard term in ballistics, ammunition manufacturing, and artillery.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “powder charge”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “powder charge”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “powder charge”
- Using 'powder charge' to refer to the entire cartridge or shell.
- Incorrect plural: 'powders charge' (correct: 'powder charges').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The bullet is the projectile. The powder charge is the propellant that launches it.
Primarily, no. It's a technical term for guns and artillery. Figurative use is rare.
It is measured by weight (e.g., in grains or grams) using a precise scale, especially by ammunition reloaders.
No, it has very low frequency and is only used by people involved with firearms, artillery, ballistics, or military history.
A measured quantity of explosive powder, designed to propel a projectile from a firearm or artillery piece.
Powder charge is usually technical / military in register.
Powder charge: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊdə tʃɑːdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊdɚ tʃɑːrdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Figurative] 'He was the powder charge behind the team's success.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHARGE of energy from a POWDER.
Conceptual Metaphor
POTENTIAL ENERGY IS A STORED CHARGE; INITIATION IS IGNITION.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'powder charge' primarily?