phlogiston

[ floh-jis-ton, -tuhn ]

noun

1. a nonexistent chemical that, prior to the discovery of oxygen, was thought to be released during combustion.

phlogiston

/ flɒˈdʒɪstɒn; -tən /

noun

1. chem a hypothetical substance formerly thought to be present in all combustible materials and to be released during burning

phlogiston

/ flō-jĭs′tən /

1. 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.
2. See Note at Lavoisier

Word History and Origins

Origin of phlogiston¹

1720–30; < New Latin: inflammability, noun use of Greek phlogistón, neuter of phlogistós inflammable, burnt up; phlogistic

Word History and Origins

Origin of phlogiston¹

C18: via New Latin from Greek, from phlogizein to set alight; related to phlegein to burn

Example Sentences

Thus we say that the union of phlogiston to a particular kind of earth is the cause of its becoming a metal.

From Project Gutenberg

It dissolves many substances containing phlogiston, as iron, dry flesh, &c. and thereby forms a little inflammable air.

From Project Gutenberg

These facts shew that alkaline air consists chiefly of phlogiston.

From Project Gutenberg

The nitrous acid unites with phlogiston, alkalis, metallic substances, and calcareous earth.

From Project Gutenberg

It is less capable of concentration than the vitriolic or nitrous acids, perhaps from a more intimate union of phlogiston with it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blaze
• bonfire
• heat
• inferno