detonation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the act of causing an explosive device or substance to explode

   The engineers cleared the area before the controlled detonation of the old bridge supports.

2. 2
   noun

   an extremely rapid combustion or decomposition wave that travels through a substance faster than sound and produces a shock wave

   Sensors measured the pressure wave produced by the fuel's detonation.

3. 3
   noun

   abnormal explosive combustion in an internal-combustion engine; engine knock

   Using the wrong fuel can cause detonation inside a high-compression engine.

From French détonation, based on détoner ('to explode'), ultimately from Latin detonare ('to thunder down or forth'). In technical use, detonation is distinguished from slower deflagration because its reaction front travels supersonically and drives a shock wave.

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