detonations

Noun

detonation (countable and uncountable, plural detonations)

1. An explosion or sudden report made by the near-instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances. Specifically, combustion that spreads supersonically via shock compression.
   • the detonation of gun cotton
   1. (broadly) Any sudden explosion made by an exothermic process (whether chemical or not) that produces a supersonic shock wave.
      • a nuclear detonation
2. Engine knocking, a type of improper combustion in gasoline piston engines.