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
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
The Mesa mulch fire garnered a lot of attention as the fire, likely due to spontaneous combustion, was expected to burn for nearly 24 to 48 hours as fire crews monitored it.
—The Arizona Republic, 6 June 2023
Back-to-back-to-back recalls in recent weeks for issues ranging from spontaneous combustion to loss of power while driving at highway speeds puts Ford at a competitive disadvantage during a time when automakers are fighting to define themselves as market leaders, analysts say.
—Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press, 24 June 2022
See all Example Sentences for spontaneous combustion 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
The Mesa mulch fire garnered a lot of attention as the fire, likely due to spontaneous combustion, was expected to burn for nearly 24 to 48 hours as fire crews monitored it.
—The Arizona Republic, 6 June 2023
Back-to-back-to-back recalls in recent weeks for issues ranging from spontaneous combustion to loss of power while driving at highway speeds puts Ford at a competitive disadvantage during a time when automakers are fighting to define themselves as market leaders, analysts say.
—Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press, 24 June 2022
See all Example Sentences for spontaneous combustion
Dictionary Entries Near spontaneous combustion
Cite this Entry
“Spontaneous combustion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spontaneous%20combustion. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share