The Collaborative International Dictionary
Gunpowder \Gun"pow`der\, n. (Chem.) A black, granular, explosive substance, consisting of an intimate mechanical mixture of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulphur. It is used in gunnery and blasting.
Note: Gunpowder consists of from 70 to 80 per cent of niter, with 10 to 15 per cent of each of the other ingredients. Its explosive energy is due to the fact that it contains the necessary amount of oxygen for its own combustion, and liberates gases (chiefly nitrogen and carbon dioxide), which occupy a thousand or fifteen hundred times more space than the powder which generated them.
Gunpowder pile driver, a pile driver, the hammer of which is thrown up by the explosion of gunpowder.
Gunpowder plot (Eng. Hist.), a plot to destroy the King, Lords, and Commons, in revenge for the penal laws against Catholics. As Guy Fawkes, the agent of the conspirators, was about to fire the mine, which was placed under the House of Lords, he was seized, Nov. 5, 1605. Hence, Nov. 5 is known in England as Guy Fawkes Day.
Gunpowder tea, a species of fine green tea, each leaf of which is rolled into a small ball or pellet.
Usage examples of "guy fawkes day".
And I mailed that ten-dollar check to Uncle Raymond, suggesting that the United States establish a national George Wallace Day, similar to Guy Fawkes Day.
He had form going back to his teens, celebrated his fortieth birthday on Guy Fawkes Day.
The occasion far the party was Guy Fawkes Day, when the British observe the anniversary of the day a man by that name attempted to blow up their houses of Parliament.
It smells as though someone has been celebrating Guy Fawkes Day indoors.
Sure engh, one of the rockets kept flying up and up, then went off in a blast not much more impressive than a Guy Fawkes Day firework.
Sure enough, one of the rockets kept flying up and up, then went off in a blast not much more impressive than a Guy Fawkes Day firework Embry quickly sobered.