combustion
kum-BUS-chun
/kəmˈbʌstʃən/
The process of burning something; a chemical reaction that involves the rapid combination of a fuel with oxygen.
While 'burning' is the everyday word, 'combustion' is the scientific term used to describe the controlled reaction inside an engine or power plant.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'comburere', where 'com-' intensifies the action of 'burere' (to burn). It’s the same root that gives us 'burn'. It implies a thorough, intense fire.
Word relationships
- burning: Burning is the general, non-technical term.
- ignition: Ignition is the start of the burning process, while combustion is the process itself.
Commonly confused with
- explosion: Combustion is a controlled or steady burn; an explosion is a sudden, violent release of energy.
Word family
- combustible (adjective): Able to catch fire easily.
- combust (verb): To burn.
Collocations
- internal combustion
- combustion engine
- combustion chamber
- complete combustion
Example sentences
- "The internal combustion engine changed the world, but it also became a major source of pollution." Automotive Engineering
- "Spontaneous combustion is a rare phenomenon where a substance bursts into flame without an external heat source." Physics
Memory hook
Think of a 'BUS' that needs 'COMBUSTION' to move. The science of fire.
When not to use
Don't use it for a campfire unless you want to sound like a chemistry teacher. Use it for industrial or mechanical processes.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'spontaneous combustion' was famously used by Charles Dickens in 'Bleak House' to kill off a character, though scientists are skeptical it happens to humans.
Related words
Explore more words
exothermic, oxidation, incandescence, emission, metabolic, ignite
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