    dynamite is an explosive material based on nitroglycerin, using diatomaceous earth (ame: kieselgur; bre: kieselguhr), or another absorbent substance such as powdered shells, clay, sawdust, or wood pulp. dynamites using organic materials such as sawdust are less stable and such use has been generally discontinued. dynamite was invented by the swedish chemist and engineer alfred nobel in geesthacht, germany, and patented in 1867. its name was coined by nobel from the ancient greek word Î´ÏÎ½Î±Î¼Î¹Ï dÃ½namis, meaning "power"."dynamite." the american heritageÂ® dictionary of the english language, fourth edition. 2003. houghton mifflin company 19 march 2013 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dynamite"dynamite." collins english dictionary â complete and unabridged. 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003. harpercollins publishers 19 march 2013 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dynamite dynamite is a high explosive, which means its power comes from detonation rather than deflagration. dynamite is mainly used in the mining, quarrying, construction, and demolition industries, and it has had some historical usage in warfare. however the unstable nature of nitroglycerin, especially if subjected to freezing, has rendered it obsolete for military uses. popular familiarity with dynamite led to metaphoric uses, such as saying that a particular issue is "political dynamite". dynamite consists of three parts nitroglycerin, one part diatomaceous earth and a small admixture of sodium carbonate. this mixture is formed into short sticks and wrapped in paper. a blasting cap and fuse of any length are then inserted down the middle. nitroglycerin by itself is a very strong explosive, and in its pure form it is extremely shock-sensitive (that is, physical shock can cause it to explode), and degrades over time to even more unstable forms. this makes it highly dangerous to transport or use in its pure form. absorbed into diatomaceous earth or sawdust, nitroglycerin is less shock-sensitive. over time, the dynamite will "weep" or "sweat" its nitroglycerin, which can then pool in the bottom of the box or storage area. (for that reason, explosive manuals recommend the repeated turning over of boxes of dynamite in storage.) modern packaging helps eliminate this by p
1866_introductions Explosives Swedish_inventions