combustion
UK: kəmˈbʌs.tʃən | US: kəmˈbʌs.tʃən
n. the process of burning something
n. a chemical process in which substances combine with oxygen, releasing heat and light
n. (figurative) intense excitement or agitation
combustion = combus<burn> + tion<noun suffix>
- combus (from Latin combustus, past participle of comburere "to burn up," from com- (intensive) + burere "to burn")
- tion (noun-forming suffix indicating action or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin combustio, derived from comburere ("to burn completely"). The prefix com- intensifies the root burere (related to "burn"), reflecting the idea of thorough or violent burning. Over time, it evolved into Middle English combustioun, retaining its core meaning while expanding metaphorically to describe emotional or social "burning" (e.g., combustion of passions).
The combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Engineers study internal combustion engines to improve efficiency.
The protest created a political combustion in the capital.
Spontaneous combustion can occur in improperly stored materials.
The combustion of magnesium produces a bright white light.