pyrophorus

noun

py·​roph·​o·​rus
pīˈräfərəs
1
plural pyrophori : any of several substances or mixtures (as a carbonized mixture of alum and sugar, or finely divided lead or iron) that ignite spontaneously on exposure to air
2
capitalized : a genus of large tropical American beetles (family Elateridae) bearing a pair of large luminous organs on the prothorax see fire beetle

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek pyrophoros fire-bearing, from pyr- + -phoros -phorous

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Cite this Entry

“Pyrophorus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrophorus. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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