combustion Definition
- 1the process of burning something
- 2a chemical reaction that occurs between a fuel and an oxidizing agent, usually producing heat and light
Using combustion: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "combustion" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The combustion of fossil fuels is a major contributor to air pollution.
Example
The engine uses internal combustion to generate power.
Example
The fire department was called to put out the combustion in the building.
combustion Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for combustion
Phrases with combustion
the ignition of a substance or object without an external heat source
Example
The pile of oily rags underwent spontaneous combustion and caught fire.
a type of combustion where the fuel is burned completely, producing only carbon dioxide and water as byproducts
Example
Complete combustion of natural gas produces only carbon dioxide and water.
a type of combustion where the fuel is not burned completely, producing carbon monoxide, soot, and other harmful byproducts
Example
Incomplete combustion of wood produces carbon monoxide and soot.
Origins of combustion
from Latin 'combustio', meaning 'a burning'
Summary: combustion in Brief
Combustion [kəmˈbʌs.tʃən] refers to the process of burning something, or a chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizing agent. It is used in engines to generate power, but can also be a source of air pollution. 'Spontaneous combustion' is the ignition of a substance without an external heat source, while 'complete combustion' produces only carbon dioxide and water, and 'incomplete combustion' produces harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide and soot.
