Definition

A type of explosive made from a mixture of nitroglycerin and other materials, used in construction and demolition.

Example

The construction crew used gelignite to break through the rock.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of gelignite?

Yeah, it's that explosive material, right?

Exactly! I read that it's often used in construction work.

That makes sense; I guess it’s really powerful stuff.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gelignite is formed from "gel" (meaning a jelly-like substance) and "nit" (short for nitroglycerin, which is derived from the Latin "nitrum", meaning saltpeter). The word describes a gelatinous explosive substance made from nitroglycerin.

Memory Tip

Think of a jelly-like substance ('gel') that is explosive ('nit') — that's why gelignite refers to this type of explosive.

Visually Confused Words