Ajax powder

noun

: an explosive used in coal mining consisting chiefly of nitroglycerin, potassium perchlorate, ammonium oxalate, and wood flour

Word History

Etymology

after Ajax, one of the Greek heroes in Homer's Iliad, possessed of great stature and strength, from Latin, from Greek Aias

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Ajax powder was in 1885

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Dictionary Entries Near Ajax powder

Ajax

Ajax powder

ajee

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Cite this Entry

“Ajax powder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ajax%20powder. Accessed 29 Jan. 2023.

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