NITROGLYCERIN

noun

19 Scrabble

23 WWF

N 1

I 1

T 1

R 1

O 1

G 2

L 1

Y 4

C 3

E 1

R 1

I 1

N 1

Definition

The compound glyceryl-tri-nitrate or 1,2,3 tri-nitrooxy propane; the ester of glycerol with nitric acid; prepared by the careful addition of a mixture of nitric and sulphuric acids to glycerol with constant stirring and cooling; it is a thick, pale yellow liquid, that is highly explosive on concussion or on exposure to sudden heat; it is used in medicine as a vasodilator, and as an explosive in the form of dynamite which is safe to handle.