detonation

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reactionSynonyms: explosion blowup
the act of detonating an explosive

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Detonation \Det`o*na"tion\ (d[e^]t`[-o]*n[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [Cf. F. d['e]tonation.] An explosion or sudden report made by the instantaneous decomposition or combustion of unstable substances; as, the detonation of gun cotton. [1913 Webster]