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PETN

noun \ ˌpē-ˌē-ˌtē-ˈen \

Definition of PETN

: a crystalline ester C₅H₈N₄O₁₂ used as a powerful high explosive and medically in the treatment of angina pectoris

… the experts determined that its explosive content was identical to that of the Honolulu bomb—PETN, an explosive undetectable by X-ray.
—Steven Emerson

— called also pentaerythritol tetranitrate

Origin and Etymology of petn

pentaerythritol tetranitrate

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1944

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