I, wholeartedly agree with Chads93GT, so we'll probably never convince you, GroundquestMSA, but that's how it goes. As for the definition of a bomb, as you threw out, here's a link to take you to one source:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/bomb And, take a looksee on my previous message, back in November. You state that
"My point is that carbide explosions have long been, rightly or wrongly, an amusement to cavers and others who had a supply of carbide lying about,
" so what? Does that mean that it's AOK to cause damage to someone or to something? Or is it just the noise that amuses you? Carbide used to be used pretty appropriately, when we were using carbide lamps, but as they phased out and the cannon idea came about--this doesn't imply that carbide cannons came about because of the loss of carbide lamps--times have changed. So be it! Just don't cause damage to others or to other's something, i.e., cars, tents, etc. Be responsible in other words! Good gosh, that might start a whole 'nother discussion.