PHLOGISTON Meaning and
Definition
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Phlogiston is a concept that was once widely believed in the field of chemistry, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was thought to be a substance that was responsible for combustion and was considered an essential component in explaining various chemical reactions involving fire, rust, and respiration. This theory had been proposed before the advent of modern chemistry and was presented as an explanation for how substances burned or oxidized.
According to the phlogiston theory, combustible materials were believed to contain an abundance of phlogiston. During combustion, this substance would be released into the air, leaving behind a residue known as the calx or ash. It was believed that all substances contained phlogiston in varying degrees, and that fire was simply the result of this substance being released.
Phlogiston theory also attempted to explain other chemical reactions. For example, when metals like iron would rust, it was believed that the iron was releasing phlogiston, resulting in the formation of the rust. Similarly, the process of respiration was associated with the release of phlogiston from the lungs.
However, as the field of chemistry advanced and more experiments were conducted, the phlogiston theory was ultimately debunked. It was replaced by the concept of oxidation, which better explained the processes of combustion, rusting, and respiration. Despite its eventual rejection, the concept of phlogiston played a significant role in the development of chemistry, as it prompted scientists to question and refine their understanding of chemical reactions and the nature of matter.
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According to the theory of Stahl, a supposed principle or pure fire fixed in inflammable bodies, as distinguished from fire of combustion.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PHLOGISTON
- ohlogiston
- lhlogiston
- -hlogiston
- 0hlogiston
- pglogiston
- pblogiston
- pnlogiston
- pjlogiston
- pulogiston
- pylogiston
- phkogiston
- phpogiston
- phoogiston
- phligiston
- phlkgiston
- phllgiston
- phlpgiston
- phl0giston
- phl9giston
Etymology of PHLOGISTON
The word "phlogiston" was coined by the German chemist and physician Georg Ernst Stahl in the early 18th century. It comes from the Greek word "phlogistos", which means "inflamed" or "combustible". Stahl used the term to explain a theoretical substance believed to be present in all combustible materials. According to the now-discredited theory of phlogiston, combustion was the result of the release of phlogiston from substances.
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