gunpowder

== English == === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈɡʌnˌpaʊdə/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈɡʌnˌpaʊdɚ/ === Etymology 1 === From gun +‎ powder. ==== Noun ==== gunpowder (countable and uncountable, plural gunpowders) An explosive mixture of saltpetre (potassium nitrate), charcoal and sulfur; formerly used in gunnery but now mostly used in fireworks. Ellipsis of gunpowder tea. ===== Derived terms ===== ===== Translations ===== ==== Verb ==== gunpowder (third-person singular simple present gunpowders, present participle gunpowdering, simple past and past participle gunpowdered) (transitive) To destroy with gunpowder. ==== See also ==== powder burn === Etymology 2 === Possibly due to its smell resembling gunpowder during the British Raj. ==== Noun ==== gunpowder (uncountable) (India, informal) Idli podi/milagai podi; ground-up dry spices mixed with oil and ghee and served alongside idli or dosa. ==== References ====