Definition

A thick, oily liquid that is highly explosive and used in making dynamite and as a medicine to widen blood vessels.

Example

The construction crew used nitroglycerin to help break through the rock.

Conversation

Did you know that nitroglycerin is used in both medicine and explosives?

Really? I had no idea it had such different applications.

Yeah, it's fascinating how something so dangerous can also help people medically.

That’s true! Science can be really surprising sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nitroglycerin is formed from "nitro-" (from Latin "nitrum", meaning saltpeter or nitrate) and "glycerin" (from Greek "glykys", meaning sweet). The word refers to a sweet-tasting compound containing nitrogen, which is used in explosives and medicine.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nitro-' as relating to nitrogen and 'glycerin' as a sweet substance, which helps you remember that nitroglycerin is a nitrogen-containing compound that has a sweet taste.

Visually Confused Words