combustion
noun/kəmˈbʌs.t͡ʃən/ · [kəɱˈbʌs.t͡ʃʰən] ~ [kəɱˈbʌs.t͡ʃʰn̩]
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"); equivalent to combust + -ion.
1
Chemistry, Natural sciences, Physical sciences The act or process of burning.
2
A process whereby 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.
Dated or archaicizing
- From this ground, with a kind of loose scorn, he continues the French Correspondence, and secretly contriveth a continuance of the Scotish Rebellion. He omits no Act of Contempt against the antient Nobility, that they might in the sence of their disgrace be, or at least dayly threaten some new Combustion.c. 1620s, Elizabeth Cary [misattributed to Henry Cary], The History Of the most unfortunate Prince King Edward II. […] , London: A.G. and F. P., published 1680, page 32:
- There [were] great combustions and divisions among the heads of the university.c. 1665, John Worthington, “The Works of the Pious and Profoundly-learned Joseph Mede”, in Life, The Author:
2 more examples
- Him the Almighty Power / Hurld headlong flaming from th' Etherial Skie / With hideous Ruine and combustion down / To bottomless perdition, there to dwell / In Adamantine Chains and penal Fire, / Who durst defie th' Omnipotent to Arms.1667, John Milton, “Book I”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC, lines 44–49:
- But say from whence this new combustion springs.1675, John Dryden, Aureng-zebe: A Tragedy. […], London: […] T[homas] N[ewcomb] for Henry Herringman, […], published 1676, →OCLC, (please specify the page number):
- Synonyms
- incineration, cremation
- Derived terms
- autocombustion, combustionary, combustion chamber, combustion engine, combustion triangle, internal combustion, internal combustion engine, internal-combustion engine, moxibustion, noncombustion, postcombustion, pre-combustion, precombustion, recombustion, spontaneous combustion, spontaneous human combustion
- Related terms
- combustible, combustive, combustor
- Hyponyms
- deflagration, detonation