noun
napalm
NAY-pahm
noun
1
A thick, flammable jelly-like substance that clings to what it burns, used as a weapon.
"The film showed the devastating effects of napalm on the jungle."
"Napalm was widely used in aerial bombing during the war."
verb
1
To attack or destroy with napalm.
"The village was napalmed during the offensive."
How to Use Napalm
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sticky, burning chemical weapon used in warfare.
Common pairings
napalm strike
drop napalm
Word Forms
napalmed past tense, napalms plural, napalms singular
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Etymology
A blend of "na(phthenic)" and "palm(itic)" acid — the two chemicals originally used to thicken the gasoline into a sticky gel.