Smokeless explosive is a term used to describe a type of propellant or explosive that does not produce smoke when ignited. Cordite is one example of a smokeless explosive, which is a nitrocellulose-based propellant developed in the late 19th century and used extensively in World War I and World War II. It is composed of nitroglycerine, guncotton, and mineral jelly, and is still used in some modern military applications.