gunpowder

/ˈɡʌnpaʊdə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡʌnpaʊdər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgən-ˌpau̇-dər/ (ame, mw)

gunpowder — noun

1. A dry, dark mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and a chemical salt called saltpetre th

1.名詞B2
釋義

A dry, dark mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and a chemical salt called saltpetre that burns extremely fast, creating a sudden blast of expanding gas; used inside bullets and bombs and to make fireworks explode.

例句

The Song dynasty used gunpowder in early weapons such as fire arrows and bombs.

collocation: used gunpowder in [weapon/device]

Leila carefully measured the gunpowder before sealing each firework tube.

collocation: measure the gunpowder

同義詞
  • black powder

    The traditional name for the original form of gunpowder made from sulfur, charcoal, and saltpetre; often used by historians and hobbyists.

  • explosive

    Much broader category — any substance that can burst violently. Gunpowder is one type of explosive.

文法句型

gunpowder + verb (singular)

quantifier + of + gunpowder

用法筆記

Uncountable noun — never use 'a gunpowder' or 'gunpowders'. To refer to a specific quantity, use a measure phrase: a barrel of gunpowder, a bag of gunpowder, a pinch of gunpowder.

常見錯誤

❌The soldier heard gunpowder in the distance.
✅The soldier heard gunfire in the distance.
💡gunpowder is the substance, not the sound or act of shooting.
❌He bought three gunpowders for his project.
✅He bought three bags of gunpowder for his project.
💡gunpowder is uncountable; use a container or measure noun.