greek fire

English - Turkish

Definition of greek fire in English Turkish dictionary

Rum ateşi

English - English

Definition of greek fire in English English dictionary

A flammable substance first used by the Greeks of Constantinople to set fire to enemy ships, buildings etc

There is yet spirit in him,” said Malvoisin apart to Mont–Fitchet, “were it well directed — but, like the Greek fire, it burns whatever approaches it.”.

An incendiary preparation first used by the Byzantine Greeks to set fire to enemy ships. Any of several flammable mixtures used in ancient and medieval warfare, particularly a petroleum-based mixture invented by the Byzantine Greeks in the 7th century. Flammable materials such as pitch and sulfur had been used in war since ancient times, but true Greek fire was especially deadly. Thrown in pots or discharged from tubes, it apparently caught fire spontaneously, and water could not put it out. Greek fire launched from tubes mounted on ship prows wrought havoc on the Arab fleet attacking Constantinople in 673. Its effectiveness was a prime reason for the long survival of the Byzantine Empire. The recipe was so secret that its precise composition remains unknown

a mixture used by Byzantine Greeks that was often shot at adversaries; catches fire when wetted

Hyphenation

Greek fire

Turkish pronunciation

grik fayr

Pronunciation

/ˈgrēk ˈfīr/ /ˈɡriːk ˈfaɪr/