Ful*min"ic (?), a. [Cf. F. fulminique.]
Pertaining to fulmination; detonating; specifically (Chem.), pertaining to, derived from, or denoting, an acid, so called; as, fulminic acid.
Fulminic acid (Chem.), a complex acid, H2C2N2O2, isomeric with cyanic and cyanuric acids, and not known in the free state, but forming a large class of highly explosive salts, the fulminates. Of these, mercuric fulminate, the most common, is used, mixed with niter, to fill percussion caps, charge cartridges, etc. Fulminic acid is made by the action of nitric acid on alcohol.
© Webster 1913