exploding charcoal
Refers to charcoal that pops or sparks when burned, often due to trapped moisture or air pockets. A somewhat specialized term used in contexts like traditional charcoal making or camping.
Exploding charcoal sends out sparks, so it must be handled with care.
In traditional charcoal making, exploding charcoal can sometimes be produced.
Compound of 跳ね (hane, 'jumping' or 'splashing', from 跳ねる) and 炭 (sumi, 'charcoal'), with rendaku voicing of sumi to zumi. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term likely arose from the charcoal's tendency to pop or jump when heated.