Nitroglycerin
(noun)
A highly explosive liquid that is used in the manufacture of dynamite, blasting gelatins, and other explosives.
Origin:
The word nitroglycerin is derived from the combination of the prefix "nitro" meaning "nitrogen", "glycerol" which is a type of alcohol, and the suffix "-in" which is a chemical suffix indicating a compound.
Examples:
- The nitroglycerin was carefully handled as it was extremely sensitive to shock and heat.
- Nitroglycerin is used as a medicine to treat certain heart conditions by dilating blood vessels.
- The discovery of nitroglycerin was made by Alfred Nobel in 1867.
- Nitroglycerin is a key ingredient in dynamite and other blasting agents.
- The use of nitroglycerin in mining and construction has been phased out due to its extreme volatility.