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

But the country is facing a combustible political cocktail of widespread corruption, rising living costs and concerns over the economy.

Read more on Barron's

The situation is combustible, and the blast could reach the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There was to be a new and bigger English audience to see what the Welsh public had already witnessed: his evolution from a combustible, confrontational player to a controlled, deep-thinking coach.

Read more on BBC

“What ensues is beyond what either of them imagined: Murder! Possession! A wild and radical cultural movement! And outlaw lovers in a wild and combustible romance!” according to the film’s official synopsis.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Podcasters and YouTubers with huge followings are offering a combustible mix of news and speculation about gang violence across Los Angeles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fiery 
• flammable 
• incendiary 
• volatile