pyrophoric

adjective

py·​ro·​phor·​ic ˌpī-rə-ˈfȯr-ik How to pronounce pyrophoric (audio)
-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

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyrophoric was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near pyrophoric

Cite this Entry

“Pyrophoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrophoric. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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