nitroglycerin

noun

ni·​tro·​glyc·​er·​in ˌnī-trə-ˈgli-s(ə-)rən 

variants or nitroglycerine

: an oily explosive poisonous liquid C₃H₅N₃O₉ used chiefly in making dynamite and in medicine as a vasodilator

Examples of nitroglycerin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mayor Giuliani takes medication for his heart condition and carries nitroglycerin with him at all times. — Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Led by Yves Montand, a group of desperate ne’er-do-wells accept the risky job when an oil refinery needs nitroglycerin to put out a raging fire. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026

Sildenafil can interact with nitrates found in certain prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2026

Another time, McCurdy and his gang used dynamite and nitroglycerin to try to snatch $4,000 in silver dollars from a train safe. — Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nitroglycerin

• nitroglycerine
• glycerin
• glycerine

Kids Definition

nitroglycerin

noun

ni·​tro·​glyc·​er·​in

variants or nitroglycerine

ˌnī-trə-ˈglis- (ə-)rən 

: an oily explosive poisonous liquid used chiefly in making dynamite and in medicine to relax blood vessels

Medical Definition

nitroglycerin

noun

ni·​tro·​glyc·​er·​in

variants or nitroglycerine

ˌnī-trə-ˈglis-(ə-)rən 

: a heavy oily explosive poisonous liquid C₃H₅N₃O₉ used chiefly in making dynamites and in medicine as a vasodilator (as in angina pectoris)

called also trinitrin, trinitroglycerin

see nitro-dur, nitrostat