wildfire

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Quotations 1.2.2 Synonyms 1.2.3 Derived terms 1.2.4 Translations 1.2.5 See also 1.2.6 References

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

Wild + fire. In the Middle Ages, the term referred to Greek fire.

[edit] Noun

wildfire (plural wildfires)

1. A rapidly spreading fire, often occurring in wildland areas, that is out of control.
2. (historical) Greek fire, Byzantine fire.
3. A spreading disease of the skin, particularly erysipelas.
4. (figuratively) Something that acts quickly and uncontrollably.

[edit] Quotations

• 1622, Thomas Dekker and Philip Massinger, The Virgin Martyr

  The.     Do not blow,

  The Furnace of a wrath thrice hot already;

  Ætna is in my brest, wildfire burns here,

  Which onely bloud must quench ...

• 1715, Floyer, Edward Baynard, Psychrolousia. Or, the History of Cold Bathing: Both Ancient and Modern

  Where are [...] the Aunts that do as much for their Nieces, and make them caper and sparkle like Wildfire?

• 1715, Francisco de Quevedo, The Visions of Dom Francisco de Quevedo

  I slept very disturbedly, and had a quick high towring Pulse; had strange Flashes in my Blood, like Wild-fire, which I could percieve in my Face, Neck, Breast, and extream Parts.

[edit] Synonyms

• forest fire

[edit] Derived terms

• spread like wildfire

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• brushfire
• bushfire
• conflagration

[edit] References

• 1862, Martim de Albuquerque, Notes and Queries.
• "Greek Fire." Classic Encyclopedia: 30 October 2006. URL accessed on 2008-12-23.