trinitrotoluene

noun

tri·​ni·​tro·​tol·​u·​ene ˌtrī-ˌnī-trō-ˈtäl-yə-ˌwēn How to pronounce trinitrotoluene (audio)
: tnt

Examples of trinitrotoluene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Years ago, plant biologists noticed that trinitrotoluene (TNT, an explosive) builds up in root tissues, choking plants. WIRED, 30 Oct. 2023 For three years during the Second World War, Plum Brook manufactured explosives, namely trinitrotoluene (TNT), dinitrotoluene (DNT), and pentolite. Amy Shira Teitel, Discover Magazine, 19 Mar. 2019 The patrollers load their packs with explosives — cast boosters of Pentolite, a mix of pentaerythritol tetranitrate and trinitrotoluene, or TNT — and tiptoe into avalanche terrain. Jason Blevins, The Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trinitrotoluene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trinitrotoluene was circa 1900

Dictionary Entries Near trinitrotoluene

Cite this Entry

“Trinitrotoluene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trinitrotoluene. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

trinitrotoluene

noun
tri·​ni·​tro·​tol·​u·​ene ˌtrī-ˌnī-trō-ˈtäl-yə-ˌwēn How to pronounce trinitrotoluene (audio)
: a flammable toxic compound C7H5N3O6 obtained by nitrating toluene and used as a high explosive and in chemical synthesis

called also TNT

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