detonation

Plural: detonations

Noun

• a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction
• the act of detonating an explosive
• An explosion or sudden report made by the near-instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances. Specifically, combustion that spreads supersonically via shock compression.
• An explosion or sudden report made by the near-instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances. Specifically, combustion that spreads supersonically via shock compression.
• Any sudden explosion made by an exothermic process (whether chemical or not) that produces a supersonic shock wave.
• Engine knocking, a type of improper combustion in gasoline piston engines.

Examples

• a nuclear detonation
• carbon detonation
• the detonation of gun cotton

Synonyms

blowup, explosion

Antonyms

deflagration

Related Words

detonate, detonator