flashover

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

Recent Examples of flashover from the Web

To show the effects of a flashover, rollover and the better understanding of a blaze, the Olmsted Township Fire Department hosted a regional fire training simulator last week that also included Olmsted Falls and North Olmsted firefighters.

— joanne berger dumound/special to cleveland.com., cleveland.com, "Simulator gives firefighters an early view of an inferno: Olmsted Dates and Data," 5 June 2017
Olmsted Township helped its firefighters and those of two other departments learn more about fires, including rollovers and flashovers, that occur in a blaze.

— joanne berger dumound/special to cleveland.com., cleveland.com, "Simulator gives firefighters an early view of an inferno: Olmsted Dates and Data," 5 June 2017
The vast majority travels around the outside in a 'flashover' effect, Cooper explains.

— charlotte huff, CNN, "This is what it's like to be struck by lightning," 25 May 2017

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

Learn More about flashover

See words that rhyme with flashover

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up flashover? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

flashover

Definition of flashover

Recent Examples of flashover from the Web

First Known Use of flashover

Learn More about flashover

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

adversity

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

I'll Have the Us(ual)

The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

The Exceptions Quiz III

Forms of Government Quiz

Spell It

Bee Cubed

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066

flashover

Definition of flashover

Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd

Recent Examples of flashover from the Web

First Known Use of flashover

Learn More about flashover

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066