volatile
VOL-uh-tul
/ˈvɑːlətəl/
Evaporating rapidly at normal temperatures; liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
In chemistry, describes substances with high vapor pressure; in general usage, describes unpredictable, explosive emotional or political situations.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'volatilis' (flying or winged), derived from 'volare' (to fly). In medieval alchemy, liquids that easily turned into vapor and 'flew away' into the air were termed volatile.
Word relationships
- unstable: Unstable refers to general lack of equilibrium, whereas volatile highlights rapid vapor release or sudden explosive change.
- evaporative: Evaporative describes the mechanism of turning to vapor, lacking volatile's connotation of hazard or instability.
- stable: Resistant to sudden physical or chemical change.
- non-volatile: Does not easily vaporize at normal temperatures.
Commonly confused with
- versatile: Versatile means adaptable and multi-talented; volatile means highly unstable or quickly evaporating.
Word family
- volatility (noun): The quality of changing rapidly or evaporating easily.
Collocations
- volatile compound
- volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- volatile situation
- highly volatile
Example sentences
- "Volatile solvents like acetone must be sealed tightly to prevent dangerous vapor buildup in the laboratory." Chemical storage protocol
- "First responders faced a highly volatile situation as gas continued to leak near live power lines." Emergency scene management
Memory hook
VOLATILE liquids want to FLY away into the air as gas (volare = to fly). Flies off into vapor.
When not to use
Do not use to describe simple physical movement or speed; it must imply rapid evaporation or instability.
Fun facts
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are responsible for the distinct 'new car smell', which is actually chemical off-gassing from adhesives and plastics.
Explore more words
volatility, Fluctuation, capricious, mutable, skittish, evanescent
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