ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English wilde fire, from wilde wild + fire
1. : a sweeping and destructive conflagration
2.
a. : a flammable composition very hard to quench when kindled : greek fire
b. : something resembling or suggesting wildfire in unquenchable intensity or inclusiveness in action
spread through the crowd like wildfire
3. : the ignis fatuus or a similar phosphorescent appearance
4. : heat lightning
5. : a destructive disease of tobacco caused by a bacterium ( Pseudomonus tabaci ) and characterized by small brown spots usually surrounded with broad yellowish halos that enlarge quickly, turn tan or dark brown, dry or rot, and fall out — compare blackfire