flammable
UK: ˈflæməbl | US: ˈflæməbl
adj. easily set on fire; capable of burning
adj. (figuratively) easily excited or aroused
flammable = flamm<fire> + able<capable of>
- flamm (from Latin flamma, meaning "fire")
- able (suffix from Latin -abilis, indicating capacity or tendency)
Etymology Origin:
The word "flammable" traces back to Latin flamma (fire) combined with the suffix -able, which denotes capability. Interestingly, "flammable" and "inflammable" share the same meaning (both mean "capable of burning"), but "inflammable" is often misunderstood due to the prefix "in-" (which here intensifies the root rather than negating it). To avoid confusion, safety labels prefer "flammable."
Gasoline is highly flammable and should be stored away from heat sources.
The dry leaves made the forest floor dangerously flammable.
Her flammable temper often led to heated arguments.
Workers must wear protective gear when handling flammable chemicals.
The artist used flammable materials for the installation, requiring special permits.