How Do You Spell GUN-COTTON?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈʌnkˈɒtən] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "gun-cotton" can be a bit confusing, as it seems like there should be two N's in the second syllable. However, the correct spelling is actually "gun-cotton" with only one N. The reason for this is because the word is pronounced with stress on the first syllable, and the U in the second syllable is pronounced as a schwa (ə). So the correct phonetic transcription of "gun-cotton" is ['ɡʌnˌkɑtən].

GUN-COTTON Meaning and Definition

  1. Gun-cotton refers to a highly combustible substance that is derived from cellulose and primarily used in the manufacturing of explosive materials. It is a material with a long history in military applications, extensively employed in the production of both propellants and explosives.

    Gun-cotton is created through a chemical process called nitration, which involves treating cellulose fibers, commonly sourced from cotton or wood pulp, with a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids. This reaction modifies the cellulose molecules and produces a highly oxidizing substance called nitrocellulose.

    The resulting gun-cotton is a white or yellowish solid, typically in the form of flakes or fibers. Depending on the manufacturing process, it may have different levels of nitration, determining its stability and explosive properties. The most common application of gun-cotton is as a propellant in firearms, where it provides the rapid expansion of gas necessary for firing bullets. Furthermore, gun-cotton can also be utilized as a component in explosives such as dynamite, blasting gelatin, or various military ordnance.

    Due to its extreme reactivity and sensitivity, gun-cotton must be handled with utmost caution, as even slight friction or impact can trigger an explosion. Consequently, stringent safety protocols are crucial during its production, storage, and handling. Despite being a hazardous material, gun-cotton has played a vital role in the development of modern warfare and is a fundamental component of many explosive devices used in various industries.

  2. Pyroxylin, a solution of which in ether constitutes collodium.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Cotton-wool chemically prepared, and so highly explosive as to be used instead of gunpowder.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GUN-COTTON

  • guncoton
  • fun-cotton
  • vun-cotton
  • bun-cotton
  • hun-cotton
  • yun-cotton
  • tun-cotton
  • gyn-cotton
  • ghn-cotton
  • gjn-cotton
  • gin-cotton
  • g8n-cotton
  • g7n-cotton
  • gub-cotton
  • gum-cotton
  • guj-cotton
  • guh-cotton
  • gun0cotton
  • gunpcotton
  • gun-xotton

Etymology of GUN-COTTON

The word "gun-cotton" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of the words "gun" and "cotton", which accurately describe the nature of the substance.

"Gun" comes from the Old Norse word "gunnr", meaning "war" or "battle". Over time, it evolved into the Middle English term "gonne" or "gunne", referring to a weapon that projects forceful projectiles, such as a firearm.

On the other hand, "cotton" originated from the Arabic word "qutn", which referred to the cotton plant. This term entered Medieval Latin as "cottoneum" and eventually developed into the English word "cotton".

German-Swiss chemist Christian Friedrich Schönbein discovered the nitration of cellulose, transforming cotton into an explosive material, in 1846.

Similar spelling words for GUN-COTTON

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