pyrophoric

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek πυροφόρος (purophóros, “fire-bearing”) +‎ -ic. Analyzable as pyro- +‎ -phore +‎ -ic.

Pronunciation

py*ro*phor*ic

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Adjective

pyrophoric

1. Spontaneously igniting in air, especially when in a finely divided state.
2. Producing sparks, especially by friction.
3. (fire investigation) Able to oxidize with exposure to atmospheric oxygen at normal temperatures.

Derived terms

• pyrophoric iron

 

Related terms

• pyro-
• spontaneous combustion
• fire
• pyrolysis
• pyrophoric alloy

Translations

spontaneously igniting in air

• Bulgarian: самозапалващ се (samozapalvašt se)
• Czech: samovznětlivý
• French: pyrophorique (fr)

producing sparks

• Bulgarian: пускащ искри (puskašt iskri)

fire investigation

References

DeHaan, J. D. (2002). Kirk's fire investigation (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. (3)