fulminant etymology

Etymology

The word "fulminant" comes from the Latin word "fulminare," which means "to lighten" or "to thunder." This is because the word was originally used to describe a type of explosive that produced a loud, thunderous noise when it was detonated.

Meaning

The word "fulminant" has two main meanings:

  • Sudden and overwhelming: Used to describe something that happens quickly and with great force. For example, a "fulminant attack" is a sudden and severe attack that can be fatal.
  • Highly explosive: Used to describe a substance that explodes violently when it is subjected to a shock or heat. For example, "fulminant mercury" is a highly explosive compound that is used in detonators.

Origin

The word "fulminant" was first used in the 17th century to describe a type of gunpowder that was particularly explosive. This gunpowder was made by mixing potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal, and it was used in cannons and other weapons. The word "fulminant" was also used to describe the loud, thunderous noise that this gunpowder produced when it was detonated.

Over time, the word "fulminant" has come to be used in a more general sense to describe anything that is sudden and overwhelming, or that is highly explosive.

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