A mytical substance given off by fire during burning. Said to be the cause of rust. Theoretically a flame stops burning in an enclosed area because the air has become "phlogiston saturated".
Primarily a concept held during the middle ages, and associated with alchemaical "research".
Primarily a concept held during the middle ages, and associated with alchemaical "research".
by Thlayli February 7, 2003
A widely-researched phenomenon in the Middle Ages, phlogiston was thought to be an inherent substance in all things that could burn. When something was burned, phlogiston was visible in the form of flame, and was released into the air. In turn, people thought something would not burn without air because the air was already "full of phlogiston" and no more could be released into the air. In short, phlogiston was believed to be the substance that fire was made of.
These days, under influence of modern science, the concept of phlogiston is usually regarded as superstition.
by Fluid March 30, 2004
Phlogistonning: When you come late to an internet thread and you are afraid that no one is going to see your comment so instead of just sucking it up and taking it like a flan you start a new post about the exact same topic in the same community.
Phlogistonning: "Oh no, too many people have posted their selfies already, no one is gonna see my selfie, I swear to god I am gonna make people see me, time to phlogiston this bitch"
by AbsoIuteIyAmbitious July 12, 2023
My girl wanted a facial in a salon, but we couldn’t afford it. So I instead covered her face with my phlogiston.
by johnfelon February 20, 2017