pyrophorousadj.
/pʌɪˈrɒf(ə)rəs/, U.S. /paɪˈrɑf(ə)rəs/ rare.
= pyrophoric adj. 1, 2.
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the world > matter > chemistry > chemical substances > [adjective] > by properties
pyrophoric1788
pyrophorous1800
optical1947
network-forming1950
network-modifying1950
1800 R. Heron Elements Chem. vi. vi. 217 Lime forms by combination with it, a new salt, which..when distilled in a retort, leaves a pyrophorous residue.
1863 Sci. Amer. 4 Apr. 213/1 A pyrophorous powder may be mixed with an inflammable liquid devoid of water and oxygen, which, when ejected into the atmosphere, will take fire spontaneously.
1952 E. Farber Evol. of Chem. 280 Alloys containing rare earth metals and iron proved to be pyrophorous (1904); they gave brilliant sparks which were used in cigarette lighters and tracer shells.
2004 Magnetism & Magn. Materials 290 1177 Dry milling of highly pyrophorous materials.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1800