incendivity
(ɪnsɛnˈdɪvɪtɪ)
[f. the stem of L. incend-ere (see incend v.) + -ivity.]
The ability to effect ignition or set on fire.
| 1919 Jrnl. Chem. Soc. CXV. 103 These results clearly establish the fact that the incendivity of a spark does not depend on the total energy of the spark. 1972 Physics Bull. Aug. 454/3 Later laboratory measurements..of the incendivity of spark discharges showed that if the uniform field strength in a tank roof space away from any protrusions was 500 kV m-1, then brush discharges having sufficient energy to ignite an inflammable hydrocarbon-air mixture could occur at metal protrusions. |
Hence (as a back-formation) inˈcendive a., of or pertaining to incendivity; capable of effecting ignition.
| 1959 Rep. Investigations U.S. Bureau of Mines No. 5463. 19 Chemical composition alone is not sufficient to define the incendive character of an explosive. 1972 Physics Bull. Aug. 456/1 Differences between the incendive properties of metal to metal sparks and liquid to metal sparks. 1973 Ibid. Mar. 145/3 It draws attention to the risks of incendive sparks at or near deck openings resulting from static electricity. |