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explosif

explosive

noun adjective ex-ploh-ZEEF Rare

Origin: Latin explodere, via French exploser

Usage Note

Explosif as a noun refers to an explosive substance (un explosif puissant); as an adjective it describes a substance, situation, or personality that can explode or escalate rapidly. The feminine adjective form is explosive. The related verb is exploser and the noun explosion.

Examples

"Les démineurs ont trouvé un engin explosif."

Natural Translation

The bomb-disposal team found an explosive device.

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