especially: an explosive highly nitrated product used chiefly in smokeless powder
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebWhen one of them is struck the glass receptacle is broken and the acids, flowing into a chamber containing chemicals, set up an action that explodes the guncotton. Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 8 Apr. 2021 This fires the detonating charge, which in turn fires the main charge of guncotton. Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 8 Apr. 2021
Word History
First Known Use
1846, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
guncotton
noun
gun·cot·ton ˈgən-ˌkät-ᵊn
: any of various cellulose nitrates
especially: an explosive consisting of a higher-nitrated product (as one containing at least 13.2 percent nitrogen)