spontaneous combustion

noun

1. the ignition of a substance or body from the rapid oxidation of its own constituents without heat from any external source.

spontaneous combustion

noun

1. the ignition of a substance or body as a result of internal oxidation processes, without the application of an external source of heat, occurring in finely powdered ores, coal, straw, etc

spontaneous combustion

1. The bursting into flame of a mass of material as a result of chemical reactions within the substance, without the addition of heat from an external source. Oily rags and damp hay, for example, are subject to spontaneous combustion.

spontaneous combustion

1. A process by which a collection of materials (such as oily rags) catches fire without the application of heat from outside. The oxidation of substances in the materials starts the fire.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spontaneous combustion¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Aconite … night boat … sea sick … emetics … exhaustion … stimulants … hard drinking … spontaneous combustion … animal charcoal.

From Project Gutenberg

Spontaneous combustion is the burning of a substance or body by the internal development of heat without the application of fire.

From Project Gutenberg

If he doesn't attend to it we shall have a case of spontaneous combustion to record; and we want to avoid that if possible.

From Project Gutenberg

I didn't wait to be fired—I went off—spontaneous combustion.

From Project Gutenberg

It was supposed that the fire was caused by the spontaneous combustion of some coals stowed in the after-cock-pit.

From Project Gutenberg