(n)a mechanical or electrical explosive device or a small amount of explosive; can be used to initiate the reaction of a disrupting explosive, Syn.cap, detonating device
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. One that detonates; specif.:(a) An explosive whose action is practically instantaneous. (b) Something used to detonate a charge, as a detonating fuse. (c) A case containing detonating powder, the explosion of which serves as a signal, as on railroads. (d) A gun fired by a percussion cap. [ Obs. ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]