explosivos
“explosivos” means “explosives” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
explosives
Also: ordnance
📝 In Action
El ejército incautó varios tipos de explosivos en la frontera.
B2The army seized various types of explosives at the border.
Se requiere una licencia especial para transportar materiales explosivos.
C1A special license is required to transport explosive materials.
explosive
Also: volatile, fiery
📝 In Action
Los gases explosivos deben almacenarse lejos de chispas.
B1Explosive gases must be stored away from sparks.
Las negociaciones se volvieron tensas y los ánimos estaban explosivos.
B2The negotiations became tense and spirits were explosive (volatile).
Tienen unos caracteres muy explosivos, siempre discuten.
C1They have very explosive characters; they always argue.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: explosivos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'explosivos' as a noun (a thing)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the verb 'explotar' (to explode), which in turn comes from the Latin verb *explōdere*. The original Latin meaning was closer to 'to drive out with clapping' (like actors leaving the stage), but it evolved to mean 'to burst forth' or 'to burst with noise,' leading to the modern meaning of 'to detonate.'
First recorded: Medieval Latin period (c. 13th century, evolving meaning)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the singular form of 'explosivos'?
The singular form is 'explosivo'. This can be used as a noun ('un explosivo' - an explosive device) or an adjective ('un gas explosivo' - an explosive gas).