spontaneous combustion
noun
: self-ignition of combustible material through chemical action (such as oxidation) of its constituents
called also spontaneous ignition
Examples of spontaneous combustion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The cause of the fire is under investigation but it may have been ignited through spontaneous combustion, said Cal Fire spokesperson Mike Cornette.
—
Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Our good fortune has not come by spontaneous combustion.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
Ten competitors in two Orlando World of Beer Bar & Kitchen locations aren’t waiting for spontaneous combustion.
—Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2024
There’s one more major category of spontaneous combustion: the drying oils.
—Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 9 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for spontaneous combustion
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Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Our good fortune has not come by spontaneous combustion.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
Ten competitors in two Orlando World of Beer Bar & Kitchen locations aren’t waiting for spontaneous combustion.
—Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2024
There’s one more major category of spontaneous combustion: the drying oils.
—Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 9 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for spontaneous combustion
Cite this Entry
“Spontaneous combustion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spontaneous%20combustion. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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