combust

[kuhm-buhst]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to burn.

combust

/ kəmˈbʌst /

adjective

1. astrology (of a star or planet) invisible for a period between 24 and 30 days each year due to its proximity to the sun

verb

1. chem to burn

Word History and Origins

Origin of combust¹

1325–75; Middle English < Latin combūstus (past participle of combūrere to burn up, equivalent to com- com- + -ūs- variant stem of ūrere to burn + -tus past participle suffix; -b- by misanalysis of ambūrere, another derivative, as am- + -būrere )

Example Sentences

Arbor heats it to extreme temperatures and deprives it of enough oxygen to make the biomass fully combust.

From Los Angeles Times

“Because so much of this gas is methane and so much of it is either incompletely combusted or not combusted at all through the venting process, we see a huge climate impact.”

From Salon

But here's the kicker - Sabalenka's tendency to combust at a critical juncture means only three of those have resulted in titles.

From BBC

If they overheat or combust in your checked bag in the cargo area of a plane, it may take a while for anyone to notice.

From Los Angeles Times

The devices contain lithium-ion batteries which, when damaged, can spontaneously combust.

From BBC