phlogiston

phlogiston Definition

phlo·gis·ton (flō jis′tän, -tən)

noun

an imaginary element formerly believed to cause combustion and to be given off by anything burning; matter or principle of fire

Etymology: ModL < Gr phlogistos < phlogizein, to burn, inflame < phlegein, to burn: for IE base see black

phlogiston Usage Examples

Converse of object

use: Historically, Lavoisier's discovery of oxygen and its role in combustion dramatically replaced earlier explanations using phlogiston.

Browse dictionary entries near phlogiston