phlogiston Hear it!

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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