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combustion

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The definition of combustion means burning, or a chemical change that produces heat and light.

(noun)

An example of combustion is an explosion.
An example of combustion is oxidation accompanied by heat and light.

See combustion in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the act or process of burning
rapid oxidation accompanied by heat and, usually, light, as with magnesium
slow oxidation accompanied by relatively little heat and no light, as with a carbohydrate
violent excitement or agitation; tumult

Origin: ME < OFr < LL combustio < L combustus, pp. of comburere (for *com-urere), to burn < com-, intens. + *burere (by faulty separation of amburere, to burn around < ambi-, ambi- + urere, to burn, singe): see ember

Related Forms:

combustive adjective

See combustion in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The process of burning.
A chemical change, especially oxidation, accompanied by the production of heat and light.
Violent anger or agitation: Combustion within the populace slowly built up to the point of revolution.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Late Latin combustiō, combustiōn-

Origin: , from Latin combustus

Origin: , past participle of combūrere, to burn up

Origin: , blend of com-, intensive pref.; see com-

Origin: and ambūrere, to burn around (amb-, ambi-, ambi- + ūrere, to burn)

Related Forms: