phlogiston

noun

phlo·​gis·​ton flō-ˈji-stən How to pronounce phlogiston (audio)
: the hypothetical principle of fire regarded formerly as a material substance

Examples of phlogiston in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Chemists also noticed that wood burning in a closed container didn't burn completely, and suggested that the air could only hold so much phlogiston. Discover Magazine, 29 June 2010 Lavoisier didn’t think that Priestley was right about phlogiston, prompting a long-running battle. Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, 25 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phlogiston.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, neuter of phlogistos inflammable, from phlogizein to set on fire, from phlog-, phlox flame, from phlegein

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phlogiston was in 1733

Dictionary Entries Near phlogiston

Cite this Entry

“Phlogiston.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phlogiston. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on phlogiston

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!