Greek fire

American  

noun

1. an incendiary mixture of unknown composition, used in warfare in medieval times by Byzantine Greeks.

2. any of a group of inflammable mixtures; wildfire.

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Greek fire British  

noun

1. a Byzantine weapon employed in naval warfare from 670 _ad. It consisted of an unknown mixture that, when wetted, exploded and was projected, burning, from tubes

2. any of several other inflammable mixtures used in warfare up to the 19th century

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Etymology

Origin of Greek fire

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Greek fire

Two aircraft and five helicopters were deployed alongside about 100 firefighters to contain the fire, the Greek fire service said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026

Artopios, the Greek fire department spokesman, said 260 firefighters, including more than a dozen from France, were battling the Parnitha fire supported by a multinational force of 10 planes and 11 helicopters.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 24, 2023

A spokesperson for the Greek fire service, Ioannis Artophios, said they were faced with "extreme phenomena" and that everyone needed to "adapt to this difficult situation."

From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2023

Greek fire brigade spokesperson Ioannis Artopoios said that firefighters made a "superhuman effort" but failed to tame the rekindling blazes in the wider area of Volos and in Aghialos.

From Reuters ● Jul. 27, 2023

If I let my guard down long enough to deal with the Greek fire, Annabeth would get sliced and we’d crash anyway.

From "The Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan