Greek fire

noun

: an incendiary composition used in warfare by the Byzantine Greeks that is said to have burst into flame on wetting

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Greek fire was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near Greek fire

Greek fir

Greek fire

Greek foot

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Greek fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Greek%20fire. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Greek fire

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Greek fire

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