detonation

1. (chemistry) An explosion or sudden report made by the near-instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances. Specifically, combustion that spreads supersonically via shock compression.Examples: "the detonation of gun cotton"countableuncountable

2. (chemistry) An explosion or sudden report made by the near-instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances. Specifically, combustion that spreads supersonically via shock compression.Examples: "a nuclear detonation"; "carbon detonation"broadlycountableuncountable

3. (mechanical engineering) Engine knocking, a type of improper combustion in gasoline piston engines.countableuncountable