TechnologyJuly 15, 2026

inferno

/ɪnˈfɜːrnoʊ/

Definition

A large, uncontrollable, and intensely destructive fire.

Etymology

Derived from the Italian word 'inferno,' which comes from the Late Latin 'infernus' meaning 'hell' or 'underworld.' It entered English to describe a hellish or raging fire.

In the news

The article uses the word to describe the increasingly damaging and frequent wildfires caused by climate change. It highlights the urgent need for new technologies to mitigate these devastating events.

As fire season looms, tech startups come calling in DC

Read the full article ↗

Politico

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