Langimage
English

dynamite

|dy/na/mite|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈdaɪnəˌmaɪt/

🇬🇧

/ˈdaɪnəmaɪt/

powerful explosive

Etymology
Etymology Information

'dynamite' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'dunamis,' where 'dunamis' meant 'power.'

Historical Evolution

'dunamis' transformed into the Swedish word 'dynamit,' and eventually became the modern English word 'dynamite.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'powerful explosive,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a high explosive consisting of nitroglycerin mixed with an absorbent material and typically molded into sticks.

The workers used dynamite to clear the rocks.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to blow up or destroy with dynamite.

They dynamited the old building to make way for the new construction.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/22 00:07