pyrophoric

adjective py·ro·phor·ic \ˌpī-rə-ˈfȯr-ik, -ˈfär-\

Definition of PYROPHORIC

: igniting spontaneously

: emitting sparks when scratched or struck especially with steel

New Latin pyrophorus, from Greek pyrophoros fire-bearing, from pyr- + -phoros carrying — more at -phore

First Known Use: 1836

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