spontaneous combustion

American  

noun

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

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spontaneous combustion British  

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

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spontaneous combustion Scientific  

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.

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spontaneous combustion Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of spontaneous combustion

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Each is internet famous, with Golden Boy's powers of spontaneous combustion and superstrength placing him on track to join The Seven right after he graduates.

From Salon

But Vaillant also characterizes the wildfire as a “regional apocalypse” and imminent flashover—the point of spontaneous combustion in an enclosed space—as “a malevolent entity from another dimension breaking through to this one.”

From Scientific American

This can happen for reasons ranging from spontaneous combustion to human irresponsibility.

From Salon

In this delightfully outrageous tale, Holmes and sidekick John Watson must determine how and why four government officials have died through spontaneous combustion.

From Washington Post

Soju, beer and wine are available to help put out any spontaneous combustion.

From Seattle Times