spontaneous combustion

noun

the ignition of a substance or body from the rapid oxidation of its own constituents without heat from any external source.

the ignition of a substance or body as a result of internal oxidation processes, without the application of an external source of heat, occurring in finely powdered ores, coal, straw, etc

spontaneous combustion

The bursting into flame of a mass of material as a result of chemical reactions within the substance, without the addition of heat from an external source. Oily rags and damp hay, for example, are subject to spontaneous combustion.

spontaneous combustion

A process by which a collection of materials (such as oily rags) catches fire without the application of heat from outside. The oxidation of substances in the materials starts the fire.

First recorded in 1800–10

Aconite … night boat … sea sick … emetics … exhaustion … stimulants … hard drinking … spontaneous combustion … animal charcoal.

Spontaneous combustion is the burning of a substance or body by the internal development of heat without the application of fire.

If he doesn't attend to it we shall have a case of spontaneous combustion to record; and we want to avoid that if possible.

I didn't wait to be fired—I went off—spontaneous combustion.

It was supposed that the fire was caused by the spontaneous combustion of some coals stowed in the after-cock-pit.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse