Associations to the word «Phlogiston»

Wiktionary

PHLOGISTON, noun. (chemistry) (historical) The hypothetical fiery principle formerly assumed to be a necessary constituent of combustible bodies and to be given up by them in burning.
PHLOGISTON THEORY, noun. (chemistry) an obsolete scientific theory of combustion

Dictionary definition

PHLOGISTON, noun. A hypothetical substance once believed to be present in all combustible materials and to be released during burning.

Wise words

All our words from loose using have lost their edge.
Ernest Hemingway