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

Officers were unable to find the 67-year-old so requested help from the Greek fire department in Athens.

From BBC

The Greek fire brigade said more than 1,800 people had been rescued across Greece since Tuesday.

From BBC

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

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