dynamite
dynamite Lexical Profile
dynamite Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A high explosive made of nitroglycerin absorbed in an inert porous substance such as kieselguhr or wood pulp, commonly used in mining, quarrying, and demolition.
"Engineers used carefully placed charges of dynamite to clear the rockslide blocking the mountain pass."
Something or someone that is extraordinarily exciting, impressive, or potentially dangerous and controversial.
"The investigative journalist knew the leaked documents were political dynamite."
• verb
To blow up, shatter, or demolish with or as if with dynamite.
"The demolition crew dynamited the condemned concrete bridge to make way for a modern structure."
• adjective
Exceptionally impressive, exciting, or excellent (informal).
"The band delivered a dynamite performance at the summer music festival."
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in 1867 by Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel from the Ancient Greek 'dynamis' (meaning 'power' or 'force') and the chemical suffix '-ite'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.