combustion

[kuhm-buhs-chuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of burning.

2. Chemistry.

   1. rapid oxidation accompanied by heat and, usually, light.

   2. chemical combination attended by production of heat and light.

   3. slow oxidation not accompanied by high temperature and light.

3. violent excitement; tumult.

combustion

/ kəmˈbʌstʃən /

noun

1. the process of burning

2. any process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to produce a significant rise in temperature and the emission of light

3. a chemical process in which two compounds, such as sodium and chlorine, react together to produce heat and light

4. a process in which a compound reacts slowly with oxygen to produce little heat and no light

combustion

1. The process of burning.

2. A chemical change, especially through the rapid combination of a substance with oxygen, producing heat and, usually, light.

3. See also spontaneous combustion

combustion

1. Burning; a chemical reaction that involves the rapid combination of a fuel with oxygen. (See oxidation and spontaneous combustion.)

Other Word Forms

• combustive noun
• noncombustion noun
• noncombustive adjective
• precombustion noun
• self-combustion noun
• uncombustive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of combustion¹

1400–50; late Middle English (< Middle French ) < Late Latin combūstiōn- (stem of combūstiō ). See combust, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of combustion¹

C15: from Old French, from Latin combūrere to burn up, from com- (intensive) + ūrere to burn

Example Sentences

The third channel promises to be a mixed bag of the freshened and familiar, today’s icons and tomorrow’s sentimental favorites, with the mix heavily tilted toward combustion.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That means all new cars will have to be electric, or hybrid - with both an internal combustion engine and electric motor.

Read more on BBC

"Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms," they said.

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Electric vehicles in China are now cheaper than combustion vehicles, and low-cost models from Chinese giants such as BYD are pushing Western automakers to bring down prices.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

However, they are more fuel efficient and don’t rely on combustion, resulting in less air pollution.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ignition