Combustion

/kəmˈbʌs.tʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The process of burning something.

The combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

A chemical reaction that occurs between a fuel and an oxidant, typically producing heat and light.

Internal combustion engines operate through the combustion of gasoline and air.

The rapid chemical combination of a substance with oxygen, producing heat and light.

Combustion reactions are fundamental to the operation of rockets and fireworks.

The state of being on fire.

The building was lost to combustion after the fire spread rapidly.

Late Middle English: from Latin combustio(n-), from the verb comburere, from com- 'altogether' + burere 'to burn'.

internal combustion engine:

A type of engine in which fuel is burned inside the engine itself.

combustion chamber:

The area within an engine where fuel and air mix and ignite.

controlled combustion:

A combustion process that is regulated to avoid unwanted emissions.

To explode or burn out quickly.

The old engine just combusted on the highway.

To become very angry or lose one's temper.

When he heard the news, he combusted.