ˌdetoˈnation

/ ˌdɛtəˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. an explosion or the act of exploding
2. the spontaneous combustion in an internal-combustion engine of part of the mixture before it has been reached by the flame front, causing the engine to knock
3. physics rapid combustion, esp that occurring within a shock wave

Derived Forms

• ˈdetoˌnative, adjective