pyrophoric

adjective

py·​ro·​phor·​ic ˌpī-rə-ˈfȯr-ik 

-ˈfär-

1

: igniting spontaneously

2

: emitting sparks when scratched or struck especially with steel

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

But again, if the helicopter blades aren't pyrophoric but do conduct electricity, the whole effect disappears. —Kyle Hill, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2013

Intel, Nov. 11, 1986 (Aloha): A pyrophoric gas silane cylinder leaks through a valve and catches fire. —Mike Rogoway, OregonLive.com, 17 July 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pyrophorus, from Greek pyrophoros fire-bearing, from pyr- + -phoros carrying — more at -phore

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1