Definition of "hypergolic" in English

adjective

1. (chemistry, aeronautics, of a reactant, fuel, or propellant) Igniting spontaneously upon contact with an oxidizer.

   • Although the LF₂-LH₂ cryogenic combination is hypergolic, the toxicity of the fuel and the products of combustion have made the use of this system impractical. In general, the commonly used hypergolic propellants are considered conventionally storable, that is, they do not need special refrigeration equipment to keep them liquid.

2. (chemistry, aeronautics, of a reaction) Involving such a hypergolic agent.

noun

1. A hypergolic propellant; a hypergol.