noun
detonation
deh-tuh-NAY-shuhn
noun
1
A sudden violent explosion.
"The detonation could be heard for miles."
2
Abnormal, damaging combustion inside a petrol engine, often called knocking.
"Low-quality fuel can cause engine detonation under load."
How to Use Detonation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn explosion, or (in cars) harmful early combustion known as knocking.
Common pairings
controlled detonation
engine detonation
Word Forms
detonations plural
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Etymology
From French détonation, from detonate + -ion.