an explosive powder, esp. a blackish mixture of sulfur, potassium nitrate, and charcoal, used as a charge in cartridges, shells, etc., for blasting.

similar, but mild chemical powder used in fireworks.

any of the fireworks.

a powerful explosive made by soaking nitroglycerin into some absorbent, such as ammonium nitrate and wood pulp, used in quarries, for breaking huge rocks.