serving to explode or characterized by explosion or sudden outburst; an explosive device; explosive gas; explosive force; explosive violence; an explosive temper'

a chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change (with the production of gas) on being heated or struck

liable to lead to sudden change or violence; an explosive issue; a volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation

[ Syn: volatile ]

sudden and loud; an explosive laugh'