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Webster 1913 Edition


Combustion

Com-bus′tion

(?; 106)
,
Noun.
[L.
combustio
: cf. F.
combustion
.]
1.
The state of burning.
2.
(Chem.)
The combination of a combustible with a supporter of combustion, producing heat, and sometimes both light and heat.
Combustion
results in common cases from the mutual chemical action and reaction of the combustible and the oxygen of the atmosphere, whereby a new compound is formed.
Ure.
Supporter of combustion
(Chem.)
,
a gas, as oxygen, the combination of which with a combustible, as coal, constitutes combustion.
3.
Violent agitation; confusion; tumult.
[Obs.]
There [were] great
combustions
and divisions among the heads of the university.
Mede.
But say from whence this new
combustion
springs.
Dryden.

Definition 2024


combustion

combustion

See also: combustión

English

Noun

combustion (countable and uncountable, plural combustions)

  1. (chemistry) The act or process of burning.
  2. A process where two chemicals are combined to produce heat.
  3. A process wherein a fuel is combined with oxygen, usually at high temperature, releasing heat.
  4. (figuratively) Violent agitation, tumult.
    • Mede
      There [were] great combustions and divisions among the heads of the university.
    • Dryden
      But say from whence this new combustion springs.

Synonyms

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Hyponyms

Translations


French

Etymology

From Old French combustion, from Latin combustio, from comburere (to burn), itself from the intensifying prefix com- + the root burere (a faulty sep. of amburere "to burn around", itself from ambi- + urere "to burn, singe").

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /kɔ̃.bys.tjɔ̃/
  • Homophone: combustions
  • Hyphenation: com‧bus‧tion

Noun

combustion f (plural combustions)

  1. combustion, burning, incineration

Derived terms

Related terms