gunpowder
UK[ˈɡʌnpaʊdə(r)]US[ˈɡʌnpaʊdər]
n
A chemical mixture that explodes or burns very quickly when lit, used in guns and explosives.
Morpheme Breakdown
gun
powder
gun
war
powder
dust
Etymology
The word 'gunpowder' is a transparent English compound formed from two native elements. 'Gun' has a debated but martial origin, likely entering English in the 14th century to refer to the new projectile weapon. 'Powder' entered English from French, describing the fine, dusty physical state of the substance. The compound literally means "powder for guns," directly naming its primary historical function as a propellant in firearms. Its invention in China and subsequent technological evolution in warfare is a story encapsulated in this straightforward descriptive term.
Analysis
Structure: gun + powder
gun: From Middle English 'gunne', possibly from the Old Norse female name 'Gunnhildr' (from 'gunnr' meaning "war"). In this compound, it denotes a weapon.
powder: From Old French 'poudre', from Latin 'pulvis' meaning "dust". In this compound, it denotes a substance in fine, dry particles.
Examples
Gunpowder was invented in China more than a thousand years ago.
The old castle's stores of gunpowder were kept in a dry, secure cellar.
The discovery of gunpowder revolutionized warfare and weaponry.