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detonation

Syllabification: (det·o·na·tion)

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Definition of detonation

the action of causing a bomb or explosive device to explode.
a loud explosion:a series of deafening detonations was heard
technical combustion of a substance that is initiated suddenly and propagates extremely rapidly, giving rise to a shock wave. Compare with deflagration.
the premature combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine, causing knocking.

Origin:

late 17th century: from French détonation, from the verb détoner, from Latin detonare 'thunder down' (see detonate)

Definition of detonation in the British & World English dictionary

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