TNT

1. Chem. a yellow, crystalline, water-insoluble, flammable solid, C₇H₅N₃O₆, derived from toluene by nitration, a high explosive unaffected by ordinary friction or shock: used chiefly in military and other explosive devices, and as an intermediate in the preparation of dye-stuffs and photographic chemicals. Also, T.N.T. Also called trinitrotoluene, trinitrotoluol, methyltrinitrobenzene, trotyl. [1910-15]

2. Trademark. Turner Network Television (a cable television channel).

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in full trinitrotoluene

Pale yellow, solid organic compound made by adding nitrate (―NO₂) groups to toluene.

Because TNT melts below the boiling point of water but explodes only above 464 °F (240 °C), it can safely be melted and poured into casings. It is relatively insensitive to shock and, for practical purposes, cannot be exploded without a detonator, making it the preferred chemical explosive, used in munitions and for demolition.

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