Phlogiston
noun
Phlogiston is a hypothetical substance once proposed as a means by which combustion occurs.
In the 18th century, scientists thought that the release of phlogiston caused materials to burn.
Often appears as...
- phlogiston theory
- release of phlogiston
Usage tips
Neutral
combustion, chemistry, oxidation
noun
Phlogiston is a hypothetical substance once proposed as a means by which combustion occurs.
In the 18th century, scientists thought that the release of phlogiston caused materials to burn.
Often appears as...
- phlogiston theory
- release of phlogiston
Usage tips
Neutral
combustion, chemistry, oxidation
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Understanding the phlogiston theory helps to appreciate the evolution of scientific ideas.
In the time of phlogiston, many natural phenomena were explained through it, which may seem strange today.
Pro Tip 2/3Scientific Misconceptions
Phlogiston was believed to be entirely real despite no experimental evidence.
Many misconceptions in early science were based on theories like phlogiston, showing how critical experimentation is.
Pro Tip 3/3Language Use
Phlogiston can be used metaphorically to refer to outdated beliefs in any field.
One might say "the phlogiston of the past theories" to imply a false belief.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Understanding the phlogiston theory helps to appreciate the evolution of scientific ideas.
In the time of phlogiston, many natural phenomena were explained through it, which may seem strange today.
Pro Tip 2/3Scientific Misconceptions
Phlogiston was believed to be entirely real despite no experimental evidence.
Many misconceptions in early science were based on theories like phlogiston, showing how critical experimentation is.
Pro Tip 3/3Language Use
Phlogiston can be used metaphorically to refer to outdated beliefs in any field.
One might say "the phlogiston of the past theories" to imply a false belief.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Understanding the phlogiston theory helps to appreciate the evolution of scientific ideas.
In the time of phlogiston, many natural phenomena were explained through it, which may seem strange today.
Pro Tip 2/3Scientific Misconceptions
Phlogiston was believed to be entirely real despite no experimental evidence.
Many misconceptions in early science were based on theories like phlogiston, showing how critical experimentation is.
Pro Tip 3/3Language Use
Phlogiston can be used metaphorically to refer to outdated beliefs in any field.
One might say "the phlogiston of the past theories" to imply a false belief.
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