Deflagrability

/dɛˌflæɡrəˈbɪləti/ noun

Definition

The quality or condition of being capable of burning rapidly with intense heat and flame.

Etymology

From deflagrable (able to deflagrate) plus the suffix -ity (meaning state or quality). Deflagrable comes from Latin deflagrare (to burn down), from de- (completely) and flagrare (to burn). The -ity suffix transforms an adjective into an abstract noun.

Kelly Says

This word describes what makes explosives dangerous—it's the technical term for how fast and hot something can burn. Scientists and explosives engineers use it to predict whether a material will explode or just burn.

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