Added 10 October 2026
detonation
/dɛtəˈneɪʃən/ noun
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about detonation at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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An explosion or sudden report made by the near-instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances. Specifically, combustion that spreads supersonically via shock compression.
the detonation of gun cotton
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Any sudden explosion made by an exothermic process (whether chemical or not) that produces a supersonic shock wave.
a nuclear detonation
- Engine knocking, a type of improper combustion in gasoline piston engines.
Origin
From French détonation; equivalent to detonate + -ion.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)