Definition of the word high explosive

The term "high explosive" was first coined in the late 19th century to differentiate between two types of explosives - low explosives and high explosives. Low explosives, commonly known as propellants, burn slowly at a steady rate and are used to provide combustion for firearms, rockets, and steam engines. They release energy as heat, which is then converted into work or motion. On the other hand, high explosives undergo abrupt and violent chemical reactions, releasing a large amount of energy in a fraction of a second. Because of their rapid rate of decomposition, they are capable of causing significant damage due to the extreme force and heat generated by the explosion. These high explosives are commonly used in mining, construction, and - of course - military applications. The exact origin of the term "high explosive" is debated, but it is believed to have been coined by Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. During the course of his research, Nobel discovered that certain chemical compounds, such as nitroglycerin, could be used to produce explosive force far exceeding that of traditional low explosives. In his quest to put this explosive power to practical use, Nobel recognized the importance of creating a term to distinguish between low and high explosives. He initially coined the term "grand explosifs" ("grand" meaning "powerful" or "large" in French) but later switched to "high explosive" in English, which has since become the widely accepted terminology.