back draft

noun

: an explosion of the gaseous products of incomplete combustion in admixture with air sometimes occurring during a fire (as in a building or mine)

called also smoke explosion

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back draft was in 1897

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near back draft

Cite this Entry

“Back draft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20draft. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!