Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - explosive

(explosives) 1. An explosive is a substance or device that can cause an explosion. ...one-hundred-and-fifty pounds of Semtex explosive... N-VAR 2. Something that is explosive is capable of causing an explosion. The explosive device was timed to go off at the rush hour... ADJ • explosively Hydrogen is explosively flammable when mixed with oxygen. ADV: ADV adj, ADV after v 3. An explosive growth is a sudden, rapid increase in the size or quantity of something. The explosive growth in casinos is one of the most conspicuous signs of Westernisation. ADJ • explosively These transactions grew explosively in the early 1980s. ADV: ADV after v, ADV adj 4. An explosive situation is likely to have difficult, serious, or dangerous effects. He appeared to be treating the potentially explosive situation with some sensitivity... Nobody knows what explosive arguments the future of Europe will bring. ADJ: usu ADJ n • explosively A referendum next year would coincide explosively with the election campaign. ADV: ADV after v 5. If you describe someone as explosive, you mean that they tend to express sudden violent anger. He’s inherited his father’s explosive temper. = fiery ADJ • explosively ‘Are you mad?’ David asked explosively. ADV: ADV after v, ADV adj 6. A sudden loud noise can be described as explosive. He made a loud, explosive noise of disgust. ...an explosive drumbeat. ADJ • explosively The sound of her own chewing and swallowing were explosively loud. ADV: ADV adj, ADV after v