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Combustible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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combustible

[kษ™mหˆbสŒstษ™b(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

flammable materials

Capable of catching fire and burning easily; flammable.

Synonyms

flammable, ignitable, inflammable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
combustible

Use 'combustible' to describe things that can catch fire and burn, especially in technical or scientific contexts.

  • Wood is a combustible material often used for heating.
  • Store combustible substances in a safe, designated area.
flammable

Use 'flammable' to describe things that easily catch fire. This term is commonly used in safety warnings and regulations.

  • Keep flammable liquids away from open flames.
  • Flammable gases can pose serious safety hazards.
inflammable

Use 'inflammable' to describe things that catch fire easily. It has the same meaning as 'flammable' but can sometimes cause confusion because it sounds like it means the opposite.

  • Inflammable materials should be stored in a cool, dry place.
  • Even inflammable clothing could put the wearer at risk.
ignitable

Use 'ignitable' to describe things that can catch fire with a spark or flame. This word is often used in scientific or technical discussions.

  • Gasoline is highly ignitable under certain conditions.
  • Identify all ignitable sources before conducting experiments involving heat.

Examples of usage

  • Gasoline is a highly combustible liquid.
  • The dry grass was easily combustible in the hot sun.
Context #2 | Noun

substances that can be burned to produce heat or energy

A substance that can be burned to produce heat or energy.

Synonyms

fuel, ignition source, kindling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
combustible

Should be used when referring to materials or substances that can easily catch fire.

  • Be careful with those combustible materials in the storage room
fuel

Refers to a substance that provides energy when burned, such as gasoline, coal, or wood. Used in a variety of contexts, from everyday speech to technical discussions.

  • We need to refuel the car before starting our road trip
ignition source

Used in safety instructions or technical contexts to describe an item or action that can initiate fire or combustion.

  • Ensure that no ignition sources are near the storage area of the chemicals
kindling

Refers specifically to small sticks or other materials used to start a fire. Commonly used in the context of starting campfires or fireplaces.

  • We gathered some dry kindling to start the campfire

Examples of usage

  • Wood and coal are common combustibles used for heating.
  • The factory stored various combustibles in a safe manner.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Materials with high combustibility can release energy rapidly when ignited, making them crucial for engines and rocket fuels.
  • Combustibility can vary widely among materials; some metals, for instance, can burn in certain conditions, like magnesium.

Safety and Regulations

  • Combustible materials are often classified to ensure safety in buildings and industries, with strict guidelines for their storage.
  • Labeling items as combustible helps people understand fire hazards in their environments.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and shows often depict explosive scenes involving combustible substances to create tension, highlighting their dramatic dangers.
  • Songs and artworks may use fire-related imagery to symbolize passion or chaos, linking back to the idea of combustibility.

Historical Significance

  • Throughout history, the ability to control combustion has powered the development of technology, from steam engines to internal combustion engines.
  • The discovery of different combustible compounds has also impacted warfare, creating more effective explosives.

Origin of 'combustible'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'combustibilis', meaning 'able to be burned', which combines 'com-' (together) and 'bustere' (to burn).
  • It first appeared in English in the late 15th century, reflecting the importance of fire and heating in early industrial activities.

The word 'combustible' comes from the Latin word 'combustibilis', which means 'burnable'. The concept of combustible materials has been important throughout human history, as they have been essential for heating and energy production. Combustible substances have played a significant role in the development of civilization, from the use of wood as fuel in ancient times to the discovery of fossil fuels like coal and oil in more recent history.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,442, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.