Combustive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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combustive

[kษ™mหˆbสŒstษชv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

related to burning or combustion

Capable of causing or undergoing combustion; having the ability to burn.

Synonyms

flammable, ignitable, incendiary, inflammable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flammable

Used in safety warnings and labels to indicate substances that can easily catch fire. Commonly found on packaging and in safety protocols.

  • Keep flammable liquids away from heat sources
ignitable

Describes substances that can catch fire under specific conditions, usually requiring an external heat source or spark. Used in scientific and technical discussions.

  • Certain chemicals are more ignitable than others
incendiary

Used to describe devices or substances designed to cause fires. Often has a negative connotation, especially when referring to weapons or other harmful tools.

  • The terrorist was caught with an incendiary device
inflammable

Means the same as 'flammable,' but can be confusing as it sounds like it means the opposite. Used in older texts or in specific safety contexts.

  • Inflammable materials should be stored in a safe location

Examples of usage

  • The combustive nature of gasoline makes it a popular fuel for cars.
  • Wood is a combustive material that is often used for heating.
  • The combustive properties of the chemicals led to a dangerous situation.
  • The combustive reaction produced a lot of heat and light.
  • The combustive gases quickly ignited when exposed to a spark.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Combustive materials often include hydrocarbons, which are found in fuels like gasoline and natural gas.
  • In chemistry, combustion is a reaction that usually requires oxygen and releases energy in the form of heat and light.
  • The study of combustive reactions is crucial in fields like engineering and environmental science, particularly in understanding energy production.

Safety Regulations

  • Due to the risks associated with combustive substances, many regulatory bodies establish strict guidelines for storage and transportation.
  • Safety data sheets provide detailed information on combustive materials and how to handle them safely.
  • In workplaces, training on how to deal with combustive materials is often essential to prevent accidents.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often depict scenes of explosions that involve combustive materials to heighten drama and excitement.
  • The term has appeared in lyrics and poetry, often symbolizing passion or intense emotions that can 'ignite' energy.
  • Video games frequently use combustive substances as critical elements for gameplay, like creating fire or explosive traps.

Origin of 'combustive'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'combustio', which means burning.
  • The prefix 'com-' means 'together' and 'bustive' relates to 'bustion', highlighting the act of burning.
  • The term came into use in the English language in the late 19th century to describe materials that easily ignite.

The word 'combustive' originates from the Latin word 'combustus', which means 'burnt'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The term is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts to describe substances or materials that can burn or undergo combustion.