Pyrophoric

//ˌpaɪ.ɹəʊˈfɔː.ɹɪk// adj

adj ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Spontaneously igniting in air, especially when in a finely divided state.
  2. 2
    Producing sparks, especially by friction.
  3. 3
    Able to oxidize with exposure to atmospheric oxygen at normal temperatures.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek πυροφόρος (purophóros, “fire-bearing”) + -ic. Analyzable as pyro- + -phore + -ic.

Related phrases

pyrophoric ironpyrophoric alloyspontaneous combustion

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.