the ignition of a substance or body as a result of internal oxidation processes, without the application of an external source of heat, occurring in finely powdered ores, coal, straw, etc
spontaneous combustion in American English
the process of catching fire as a result of heat generated by internal chemical action
Examples of 'spontaneous combustion' in a sentence
spontaneous combustion
They were enthusiastic to the point of spontaneous combustion.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Other cases of spontaneous combustion have a weather explanation.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is a spontaneous combustion of cleansing.
Christianity Today (2000)
Some refused to sleep overnight in their cabs, fearing spontaneous combustion was to blame.
The Sun (2012)
More good news: death by spontaneous combustion is no longer something to worry about.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Fire investigators found that the blaze was caused by spontaneous combustion resulting from the rains in the wettest summer for 100 years.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
This is caused by spontaneous combustion, when damp crops begin to heat up to the point where they can burst into flame.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
I am writing this at 4.30am after a near miss for spontaneous combustion woke me up.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
What about spontaneous combustion in Britain, under the weight of household debt and high house prices?
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
And don't leave the chip pan unattended: they are notoriously prone to spontaneous combustion if they get too hot.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It remains his boldest and best song and he led the audience, by now on the verge of spontaneous combustion, in a splendid a cappella rendition.