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

After officers on the island were unable to find Mr Mosley, they requested help from the Greek fire department in Athens.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2024

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

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

The temple my dad had used as his headquarters was burning with Greek fire.

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan