Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hypothetical substance once believed to be present in all combustible materials and to be released during burning: In historical chemistry, "phlogiston" was the name given to a theoretical, fire-like element thought to be contained within any object that could burn. It was believed that during combustion, this substance was released into the air.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Early chemists explained fire as the process of releasing phlogiston from a material.
  • The phlogiston theory was eventually disproven by the discovery of oxygen.

Advanced Usage

• "Phlogiston theory": The obsolete scientific theory that incorporated the concept of phlogiston to explain combustion and rusting (calcination).
  • The phlogiston theory dominated chemistry for much of the 18th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Phlogistic (adj): Relating to or containing phlogiston.
  • Phlogisticated air was the old term for what we now call nitrogen.

Synonyms

• None (Historical Term): As a specific, obsolete scientific concept, it has no true synonyms. Related historical ideas include "the principle of fire" or "combustible principle."

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a hypothetical substance once believed to be present in all combustible materials and to be released during burning