PHLOGISTIC Meaning and
Definition
-
Phlogistic is an archaic term that refers to a hypothetical substance believed to be responsible for combustion. The concept of phlogistic, also known as the phlogiston theory, was popularized in the 17th and 18th centuries as a way to explain the occurrence of fire and oxidation processes.
According to the phlogiston theory, phlogistic was thought to be present in all combustible substances and was considered to be a sort of fire-like element that was released during burning. This theory stated that when a substance burned, it released its phlogistic into the air, leaving behind an ash or residue. The weight loss observed during combustion was attributed to the escape of phlogistic, which was believed to have negative mass.
The phlogiston theory was eventually debunked by Antoine Lavoisier in the late 18th century, who proposed the oxygen theory of combustion. Lavoisier demonstrated that combustion was actually a result of the combination of substances with oxygen, and he disproved the existence of phlogistic. This marked a major shift in the understanding of chemical reactions and laid the foundation for modern chemistry.
Today, phlogistic is considered an obsolete concept and the term is primarily used in historical or philosophical discussions to describe the outdated phlogiston theory and its associated beliefs.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PHLOGISTIC
Etymology of PHLOGISTIC
The word "phlogistic" comes from the concept of "phlogiston", which was a substance once believed to exist in chemistry. The term originated in the 18th century from the Greek word "phlogistos", meaning "inflammable" or "burning". The theory of phlogiston was proposed by the German chemist Georg Ernst Stahl in the early 18th century to explain combustion and the process of burning. According to the phlogiston theory, phlogiston was considered a fundamental element of matter responsible for the combustion process. However, this theory was ultimately proved to be incorrect and was replaced by the modern understanding of combustion and oxidation. Consequently, the term "phlogistic" is no longer used in contemporary chemistry.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
