combustion

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to give heat and light
  2. noun a state of violent disturbance and excitement
  3. noun the act of burning something

Etymology

From Old French combustion, from Latin combustio, from comburere (“to burn”), itself from the intensifying prefix com- + the root burere (a faulty sep. of amburere "to burn around", itself from ambi- + urere "to burn, singe"); equivalent to combust + -ion.

In classic literature

Synonyms

burning

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