powder magazine

• Termo histórico para um edifício ou compartimento protegido usado para armazenar pólvora e outros explosivos, comum em fortes militares ou em navios antigos.

A historical term for a secure building or room used to store gunpowder and other explosives, often found in military forts or old ships.

1. Explosives storageC1formal

   A secure building or compartment used for storing gunpowder, ammunition, or other explosive materials.

   paiol de pólvora

   • The soldiers guarded the powder magazine at the fort.
   • All explosives were locked in the powder magazine for safety.
   • The old powder magazine was converted into a museum.

2. Volatile situationC2informal

   A situation or place that is likely to become dangerous or explosive.

   Situação explosiva

   • The political tension in the region was a powder magazine waiting to explode.
   • The crowded stadium felt like a powder magazine after the controversial call.
   • His angry speech turned the meeting into a powder magazine.