noun🔗ShareContre-feuA 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."The firefighters used backfires to protect the town from the approaching wildfire. "Les pompiers ont utilisé des contre-feux pour protéger la ville de l'incendie de forêt qui approchait.environmentdisasterfuelactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareRetour de flammeAn 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."The old car's backfires were so loud they startled everyone on the street. "Les retours de flamme de la vieille voiture étaient si bruyants qu'ils ont effrayé tout le monde dans la rue.technicalvehiclemachinesoundenergyfuelindustryChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareRetour de flammeA 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."The old car's backfires were so loud they startled everyone on the street. "Les retours de flamme de la vieille voiture étaient si bruyants qu'ils ont effrayé tout le monde dans la rue.technicalmachineenergyvehicleChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareRétrogradationAn explosion in the exhaust passages of an internal combustion engine."The mechanic diagnosed the car's loud popping noise as backfires in the exhaust system. "Le mécanicien a diagnostiqué le bruit de claquement fort de la voiture comme des rétrogradations dans le système d'échappement.technicalmachinevehiclesoundenergyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb🔗ShareAvoir un retour de flamme, refouler(of a gun, cannon, Bunsen burner, etc.) To fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel."The student's poorly aimed rocket backfired, sending the flaming fuel directly into his own face. "La fusée mal visée de l'étudiant a eu un retour de flamme, envoyant le carburant en feu directement dans son propre visage.technicalmachineweaponChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb🔗ShareAvoir des ratés(of an engine) To experience a premature ignition of fuel or an ignition of exhaust gases, making a popping sound."The old car often backfires loudly when I try to start it in the cold. "La vieille voiture a souvent des ratés bruyants quand j'essaie de la démarrer par temps froid.vehiclesoundmachinetechnicalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb🔗ShareSe retourner contre, échouerTo fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune."His attempt to make money by importing luxury cars backfired horribly when fuel prices tripled."Sa tentative de gagner de l'argent en important des voitures de luxe s'est horriblement retournée contre lui lorsque les prix du carburant ont triplé.outcomeactionnegativeeventChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
