pyrophoric

adjective

py·​ro·​phor·​ic ˌpī-rə-ˈfȯr-ik 

-ˈfär-

1

: igniting spontaneously

2

: emitting sparks when scratched or struck especially with steel

Examples of pyrophoric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But again, if the helicopter blades aren't pyrophoric but do conduct electricity, the whole effect disappears. —Kyle Hill, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2013

Intel, Nov. 11, 1986 (Aloha): A pyrophoric gas silane cylinder leaks through a valve and catches fire. —Mike Rogoway, OregonLive.com, 17 July 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pyrophorus, from Greek pyrophoros fire-bearing, from pyr- + -phoros carrying — more at -phore

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1