wildfire
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Wild + fire. In the Middle Ages, the term referred to Greek fire.
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
wildfire (plural wildfires)
- A rapidly spreading fire, often occurring in wildland areas, that is out of control.
- (historical) Greek fire, Byzantine fire.
- A spreading disease of the skin, particularly erysipelas.
- (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
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Translations
uncontrolled fire
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- 1862, Martim de Albuquerque, Notes and Queries.
- "Greek Fire." Classic Encyclopedia: 30 October 2006. URL accessed on 2008-12-23.