wildfire
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Wild + fire. In the Middle Ages, the term referred to Greek fire.
Noun[edit]
wildfire (plural wildfires)
- A rapidly spreading fire, especially one occurring in a wildland area.
- (historical) Greek fire, Byzantine fire.
- A spreading disease of the skin, particularly erysipelas.
- (figuratively) Something that acts quickly and uncontrollably.
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2015 January 18, Monty Munford, “What’s the point of carrying a mobile phone nowadays?”, The Daily Telegraph:
- So, it appears a revolution has happened and a very unexpected one. Of course it was only a matter of time before it happened. With WiFi connectivity spreading faster than wildfire and a laptop or tablet in one’s bag, what’s the point of a mobile nowadays?
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Quotations[edit]
- 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 perceive in my Face, Neck, Breast, and extream Parts.
Synonyms[edit]
Derived terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
rapidly spreading fire
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Greek fire — see Greek fire
spreading disease of the skin
something that acts quickly and uncontrollably
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See also[edit]
References[edit]
- 1862, Martim de Albuquerque, Notes and Queries.
- "Greek Fire", Classic Encyclopedia: 30 October 2006. URL accessed on 2008-12-23.
