brisance

[bri-zahns; French bree-zahns] /brɪˈzɑns; French briˈzɑ̃s/
noun
1.
the shattering effect of a high explosive.
Origin
1910-15; < French, equivalent to bris(er) to break (< Celtic; akin to Irish brisim (I) break) + -ance -ance
Related forms
brisant
[bri-zahnt; French bree-zahn] /brɪˈzɑnt; French briˈzɑ̃/ (Show IPA),
adjective
Examples from the web for brisance
  • The shattering of rock by an explosion is referred to as brisance.
  • High brisance explosives proceed rapidly and have a high shock energy and low impulse.
  • brisance: the destructive fragmentation effect of a charge on its immediate vicinity.
British Dictionary definitions for brisance

brisance

/ˈbriːzəns; French brizɑ̃s/
noun
1.
the shattering effect or power of an explosion or explosive
Derived Forms
brisant, adjective
Word Origin
C20: from French, from briser to break, ultimately of Celtic origin; compare Old Irish brissim I break