napalm

views updated Jun 27 2018

napalm (naphthalene palmitate) Gelatinous petroleum used to make bombs and as fuel for flame-throwers. It was developed during World War II, and widely used by US forces in Vietnam. When napalm hits its target, it spreads out, clinging to and burning everything it touches.

World Encyclopedia

napalm

views updated May 14 2018

na·palm / ˈnāpä(l)m/ • n. a highly flammable sticky jelly used in incendiary bombs and flamethrowers, consisting of gasoline thickened with special soaps.• v. [tr.] attack with bombs containing napalm.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

napalm

views updated Jun 08 2018

napalm a highly flammable sticky jelly used in incendiary bombs and flame-throwers, consisting of petrol thickened with special soaps; the use of napalm is associated particularly with the Vietnam War.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

napalm

views updated May 29 2018

napalm jellied petrol. XX. f. initial sylls. of NAPHTHA and PALMITIC.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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