combustible

[kuhm-buhs-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of catching fire and burning; inflammable; flammable.

   Gasoline vapor is highly combustible.

2. easily excited.

   a high-strung, combustible nature.

noun

1. a combustible substance.

   Trucks carrying combustibles will not be allowed to use this tunnel.

combustible

/ kəmˈbʌstəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of igniting and burning

2. easily annoyed; excitable

noun

1. a combustible substance

Other Word Forms

• combustibility noun
• combustibleness noun
• combustibly adverb
• uncombustible adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of combustible¹

From the Late Latin word combūstibilis, dating back to 1520–30. See combust, -ible

Example Sentences

The report argued that, due to tightly packed combustible structures amid an accumulation of flammable vegetation, “nearly all” communities are “unsuitable” for sheltering in place.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But many believe his party lacked the combustible emotional energy that propels insurgent political outfits.

Read more on BBC

It found there was not suitable protection of escape routes, not all cooking appliances were maintained and in a good condition and combustible materials did not appear to be separated from ignition sources.

Read more on BBC

That outpaces the 4.3% growth to $6.4 billion in the combustible business, as higher prices offset declines in the number of cigarettes sold.

Read more on Barron's

Without new funding, the stockpiles are poised to languish at some of their lowest levels in 40 years—and at a time when the U.S. is flexing its muscles in combustible geopolitics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fiery 
• flammable 
• incendiary 
• volatile