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

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

Cyprus said it was sending two firefighting aircraft to help Greek fire fighters.

From Reuters ● Aug. 21, 2023

Panicked monsters surged backward If the bag really had been full of Greek fire jars, we would’ve all blown up.

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan