noun Download 🔗Share A small, controlled fire set in the path of a larger uncontrolled fire, in order to limit the spread of the large fire by removing its fuel. Examples : "The firefighters created a backfire to stop the wildfire from spreading to the nearby town. " environment disaster nature fuel science Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share An explosion produced either by a running internal combustion engine that occurs in the air intake or exhaust system rather than inside the combustion chamber or unburned fuel or hydrocarbons ignited somewhere in the exhaust system. Examples : "The loud backfire from the old car startled everyone on the street. " technical vehicle machine fuel sound energy Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share A premature explosion in the cylinder of a gas or oil engine during the exhaust or the compression stroke, tending to drive the piston in the wrong direction. Examples : "The backfire damaged the old engine, causing it to sputter and stall. " technical vehicle machine energy Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share An explosion in the exhaust passages of an internal combustion engine. Examples : "The sudden backfire startled the mechanic, causing a brief power surge in the engine. " vehicle machine technical Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share (of a gun, cannon, Bunsen burner, etc.) To fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel. Examples : "The student's poorly aimed firework backfired, sending sparks flying directly into his face. " technical machine weapon military physics Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share (of an engine) To experience a premature ignition of fuel or an ignition of exhaust gases, making a popping sound. Examples : "The old car coughed and then backfired loudly as I tried to start it. " vehicle sound technical machine energy Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune. Examples : "His attempt to make money by importing luxury cars backfired horribly when fuel prices tripled." outcome action event negative Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
