1730, hypothetical inflammatory principle, formerly believed to exist in all combustible matter, from Modern Latin (1702), from Greek phlogiston (1610s in this sense), neuter of phlogistos "burnt up, inflammable," from phlogizein "to set on fire, burn," from phlox (genitive phlogos) "flame, blaze" (see bleach (v.)). Theory propounded by Stahl (1702), denied by Lavoisier (1775), defended by Priestley but generally abandoned by 1800. Related: Phlogistic; phlogisticated.
双语例句
1. A thing was inflammable if it contained phlogiston.
一样东西如果含有燃素,它就能燃烧.
来自辞典例句
2. This hazy " phlogiston theory, " this erroneous conception of burning, led chemistry along a completely false trail.
这个莫名其妙的 “ 燃素论 ”,对燃烧做了错误的理解, 把化学扯上了一条完全错误道路.
来自辞典例句
3. There are few Ptolemaic astronomers left , or believers in the phlogiston theory of combustion.
