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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of Greek fire

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Greek fire

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

The large explosions shattered windows on houses in a surrounding area, but the Greek fire service said no injuries were reported in nearby villages, which also were evacuated as a precaution.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 27, 2023

The Greek fire service told the BBC that new fires have started on Rhodes, with people in Platanistos evacuated on Monday night.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2023

According to Ioannis Artopios, a spokesman for the Greek fire service, about 19,000 people — locals and tourists, many of whom were Britons — were moved away from fires on the island on Saturday night.

From New York Times ● Jul. 23, 2023

A clay jar of Greek fire broke on the floor and began to burn, green flames spreading quickly.

From "The Battle of the Labyrinth" by Rick Riordan