Word of the Day – Pyrophoric

Pyrophoric (adj)

pahy-ro-for-ik

capable of igniting spontaneously in air

First recorded in 1780–90. From the Greek pyrophóros, meaning “fire-bearing;” combines pyro-, meaning “fire,” + -phore, meaning “bearer of,” + -ic.

Example sentences

“The scientists handled the pyrophoric substance with great caution.”