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Deflagrate

(Science: chemistry) to burn with a sudden and sparkling combustion, as niter; also, to snap and crackle with slight explosions when heated, as salt.

Origin: L. Deflagratus, p. P. Of deflagrare to burn up; de- _ flagrare to flame, burn.

(Science: chemistry) to cause to burn with sudden and sparkling combustion, as by the action of intense heat; to burn or vaporize suddenly; as, to deflagrate refractory metals in the oxyhydrogen flame.