Combustion: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in scientific or technical contexts to describe a chemical process where a substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light.

• Combustion engines power most of the vehicles we use today.
• The combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

More commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of something being destroyed by fire or when something is on fire.

• The wood in the fireplace has been burning all night.
• She could smell something burning in the kitchen.

Generally used to describe the process of starting a fire or the mechanism that starts an engine.

• He turned the key and the car's ignition started.
• A small spark caused the ignition of the gas.

Often used in scientific contexts to describe a reaction where a substance loses electrons, commonly involving an interaction with oxygen. It's not necessarily related to fire.

• Rust is a result of the oxidation of iron.
• Oxidation of fatty acids is crucial in the metabolism of cells.

Combustion is a scientific term often used in technical or academic discussions to describe the process of burning something through chemical reactions. It's commonly used in contexts involving engines, fuels, and physics.

• The combustion of gasoline in car engines produces energy.
• Scientists are studying combustion processes to create cleaner energy sources.

Blaze is typically used to describe a large, fierce fire. It's often used in news reports or storytelling to paint a vivid picture of an intense and powerful fire.

• Firefighters struggled to control the blaze that engulfed the entire building.
• The campfire turned into a dangerous blaze within minutes.

Flame refers to the visible part of a fire. It can be used both in everyday contexts to describe the physical flames from a fire and metaphorically to describe emotions or actions.

• The candle flame flickered in the breeze.
• Her passion for music ignited a flame that never went out.

Inferno has a dramatic and negative connotation, typically used to describe a massive, uncontrollable, and destructive fire. It's often used in literature or dramatic reports to emphasize the severity of the fire.

• The forest inferno raged for days, destroying everything in its path.
• Trapped inside the building, they could see the inferno approaching.

Combustion is commonly used in scientific, industrial, or technical contexts to describe the process of burning or rapid chemical reaction that produces heat and light.

• The combustion engine powers most of the vehicles we drive.
• Combustion of fossil fuels contributes to air pollution.

Detonation is used in more formal or technical contexts to describe a sudden and violent explosion, often caused by explosives. It typically implies controlled and intentional explosions.

• The detonation of the bomb was heard miles away.
• The team prepared for the detonation of the old building.

Blast is often used to describe a powerful explosion or a sudden burst of something, typically in informal contexts, and can also have a non-literal meaning indicating an enjoyable time.

• The blast from the dynamite leveled the old building.
• We had a blast at the amusement park yesterday!

Burst is used to describe something that breaks suddenly and violently apart, usually due to internal pressure. It is also commonly used metaphorically to express a sudden release of emotion or energy.

• The water balloon burst as soon as it hit the ground.
• She burst into tears when she heard the news.