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flashover

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noun flash·over \ ˈflash-ˌō-vər \

Definition of flashover

1 :an abnormal electrical discharge (as through the air to the ground from a high potential source or between two conducting portions of a structure)
2 :the sudden spread of flame over an area when it becomes heated to the flash point

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Recent Examples of flashover from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flashover.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of flashover

1892

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