esplosivo

explosive

noun adjective eh-sploh-ZEE-voh Rare

Origin: From Latin explodere (to drive off with clapping), later reanalysed in Italian via esplodere.

Usage Note

Esplosivo functions both as a masculine noun (un esplosivo — an explosive) and as an adjective (un dispositivo esplosivo — an explosive device). Figuratively it describes a volatile temperament (carattere esplosivo — explosive personality) or a stunning result. The plural noun is esplosivi.

Examples

"Gli artificieri hanno trovato un esplosivo."

Natural Translation

The bomb squad found an explosive.

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