spontaneous combustion

noun

: burning that is caused by chemical actions inside of something rather than by heat from the outside

Full Definition of SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

: self-ignition of combustible material through chemical action (as oxidation) of its constituents —called also spontaneous ignition

See spontaneous combustion defined for English-language learners

1795

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION Defined for Kids

noun

: a bursting of material into flame from the heat produced within itself through chemical action

Next Word in the Dictionary: spontaneous generationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: spontaneous amputationAll Words Near: spontaneous combustion

What made you want to look up spontaneous combustion? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears