phlogiston

English - English

Definition of phlogiston in English English dictionary

The hypothetical fiery principle formerly assumed to be a necessary constituent of combustible bodies and to be given up by them in burning

{n} an element supposed by some to be the principle of inflammability or matter of fire and heat

The hypothetical principle of fire, or inflammability, regarded by Stahl as a chemical element

a hypothetical substance once believed to be present in all combustible materials and to be released during burning

Related Terms

phlogiston theory

an obsolete scientific theory of combustion

Hyphenation

phlo·gis·ton

Etymology

() Coined by Stahl in 1702, from Ancient Greek φλογιστόν, neuter of φλογιστός ‘inflammable’, from φλογίζειν ‘to set fire to’, from φλόξ ‘flame’.