Greek fire

noun

: an incendiary composition used in warfare by the Byzantine Greeks that is said to have burst into flame on wetting

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Greek fire was in 1788

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Greek fir

Greek fire

Greek foot

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Greek fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Greek%20fire. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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