Gunpowder
/ˈɡʌnˌpaʊ.dər/noun
An explosive mixture, traditionally of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate, used to propel projectiles or create explosions.
Did you know?Gunpowder was developed in China, where it was known as huǒyào—“fire medicine”—and was first used in rockets, fireworks, and incendiary weapons before firearms became dominant.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pel-
“To crush, grind, or drive into dust; a proposed ancient root connected with later words for powder.”
Classical Latin
Latin
pulvis
“Dust, powder, or fine particles.”
9th Century
Chinese
huǒyào
““Fire medicine,” the Chinese name for gunpowder.”
12th Century
Old French
poudre
“Dust or powder, from Latin pulvis.”
14th Century
Middle English
gonne
“A gun or cannon; the ultimate origin is uncertain, possibly influenced by a Scandinavian personal name.”
15th Century
English
gunpowder
“A compound meaning powder used with guns, referring to the explosive propellant.”
Explore more surprising origins