detonation
nounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//dɛtəˈneɪʃən//
An explosion or sudden report made by the near-instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances. Specifically, combustion that spreads supersonically via shock compression.
noun
- 1
An explosion or sudden report made by the near-instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances. Specifically, combustion that spreads supersonically via shock compression.
the detonation of gun cotton
- 2
An explosion or sudden report made by the near-instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances. Specifically, combustion that spreads supersonically via shock compression. Any sudden explosion made by an exothermic process (whether chemical or not) that produces a supersonic shock wave.
a nuclear detonation
carbon detonation
- 3
Engine knocking, a type of improper combustion in gasoline piston engines.
Etymology
From French détonation; equivalent to detonate + -ion.
Forms
- plural
- detonations
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