ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈāshən, ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈnā- noun
( -s )
Etymology: French détonation, from Medieval Latin detonation-, detonatio, from Latin detonatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : the action or process of detonating ; specifically : a chemical reaction producing vigorous evolution of heat and sparks or flame and moving through the material detonated (as a high explosive such as dynamite or TNT) at a speed greater than that of sound — distinguished from deflagration
b. : a violent explosion
2. : abnormally rapid combustion in an internal-combustion engine that replaces or occurs simultaneously with normal combustion and is manifested by loss of power, overheating, rough operation, and a characteristic knock