EXPLOSIVE

explosive

(adjective) serving to explode or characterized by explosion or sudden outburst; “an explosive device”; “explosive gas”; “explosive force”; “explosive violence”; “an explosive temper”

explosive

(adjective) sudden and loud; “an explosive laugh”

explosive, volatile

(adjective) liable to lead to sudden change or violence; “an explosive issue”; “a volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation”

explosive

(noun) a chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change (with the production of gas) on being heated or struck

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adjective

explosive (comparative more explosive, superlative most explosive)

With the capability to, or likely to, explode.

Having the character of an explosion.

(figurative) Shocking; startling.

(slang) Easily driven to anger, usually with reference to a person.

Noun

explosive (plural explosives)

Any explosive substance.

Source: Wiktionary

Ex*plo"sive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. explosif.]

Definition: Driving or bursting out with violence and noise; causing explosion; as, the explosive force of gunpowder.

Ex*plo"sive, n.

1. An explosive agent; a compound or mixture susceptible of a rapid chemical reaction, as gunpowder, or nitro-glycerine.

2. A sound produced by an explosive impulse of the breath; (Phonetics) one of consonants p, b, t, d, k, g, which are sounded with a sort of explosive power of voice.

Note: [See Guide to Pronunciation, sq. root 155-7, 184.]

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition