detonation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction
    explosion; blowup.
  2. noun the act of detonating an explosive

WordNet

Det`o*na"tion noun
Etymology
Cf. F. détonation.
Definitions
  1. An explosion or sudden report made by the instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances' as, the detonation of gun cotton.

Webster 1913