Etymology

Today it means: A theoretical molecule composed of eight (8) nitrogen atoms only, in a cubic configuration, with each nitrogen (N) atom being a vertex on the cube, and bonding to three other nitrogens at the nearest three other vertexes. This is theorized to be the high explosive with the highest velocity, the most explosive non-nuclear explosive. It is an allotrope of nitrogen, and an analogue of the organic molecule cubane; and an isomer of octanitrogen (N₈). Full definition →