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Greek fire
noun
- an incendiary mixture of unknown composition, used in warfare in medieval times by Byzantine Greeks.
- any of a group of inflammable mixtures; wildfire.
Greek fire
noun
- a Byzantine weapon employed in naval warfare from 670 ad. It consisted of an unknown mixture that, when wetted, exploded and was projected, burning, from tubes
- any of several other inflammable mixtures used in warfare up to the 19th century
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Word History and Origins
Origin of Greek fire1
First recorded in 1820–30
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Example Sentences
Greek-fire was the precursor of gunpowder; it was the oleum incendiarum of the Romans.
From Project Gutenberg
In consequence of the news he burns like Greek Fire, under all the wets and waters of this health-and-harvest destroying weather.
From Project Gutenberg
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