phlogiston

phlo·gis·ton  (fl-jstn, -tn)

n.

A hypothetical substance formerly thought to be a volatile constituent of all combustible substances, released as flame in combustion.

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[From Greek, neuter of phlogistos, inflammable, from phlogizein, to set on fire, from phlox, phlog-, flame; see bhel-¹ in Indo-European roots.]

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phlogiston  (fl-jstn)

A hypothetical colorless, odorless, weightless substance once believed to be the combustible part of all flammable substances and to be given off as flame during burning. In the 18th century, Antoine Lavoisier proved that phlogiston does not exist. See Note at Lavoisier Antoine Laurent.

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phlogiston

Obsolete Chemistry. a hypothetical ingredient thought to be released during combustion. — phlogistic, adj.

See also: Fire

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

phlogiston - a hypothetical substance once believed to be present in all combustible materials and to be released during burning substance - the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists; "DNA is the substance of our genes"