The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

brisant \bri"sant\ adj.
   1. of or pertaining to brisance.
      [WordNet 1.5]

   2. having the ability to shatter, as contrasted with merely
      fracturing; -- of explosives.

   Note: the more brisant explosives, such as dynamite, will
         shatter rock into smaller fragments than the less
         brisant, such as gunpowder.
         [WordNet 1.5 + PJC]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

brisant
    adj 1: of or relating to the power (the shattering effect) of an
           explosive