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 used backfires to protect the town from the approaching wildfire. " environment disaster fuel action 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 old car's backfires were so loud they startled everyone on the street. " technical vehicle machine sound energy fuel industry 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 old car's backfires were so loud they startled everyone on the street. " technical machine energy vehicle Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share An explosion in the exhaust passages of an internal combustion engine. Examples : "The mechanic diagnosed the car's loud popping noise as backfires in the exhaust system. " technical machine vehicle sound energy 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 rocket backfired, sending the flaming fuel directly into his own face. " technical machine weapon 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 often backfires loudly when I try to start it in the cold. " vehicle sound machine technical 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 negative event Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
