Definitions for "Smokeless powder"
A high-explosive gunpowder whose explosion produces little, if any, smoke. It is usually based on guncotton.
(n.) Modern gunpowder, invented during the 1880s by the Frenchman M. Vielle. Smokeless powder has either a nitrocellulose or nitroglycerin base, or both (in which case it is referred to as "double based"). Like black powder, it is black in color, but this is generally due to a graphite coating which improves metering. Smokeless powder is a flammable substance, rather than a low explosive, like black powder, and is progressive burning. Its burning rate can be controlled by the shape and size of the granules. Faster burning powders (e.g., Bullseye(tm)) are generally used in pistols, while slower powders (IMR 4064(tm)) are used in rifles.
Gunpowder or propellant that gives off minimal smoke when fired, as distinct from black powder.