combustive

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

com•bus•tion /kəmˈbʌstʃən/   n. [uncountable]

1. Physics the act or process of burning:
   combustion of fuel and air in a chamber.

com•bus•tive, adj. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

com•bus•tion  (kəm bus′chən), n. 

1. Physics the act or process of burning.
2. Chemistry
   • rapid oxidation accompanied by heat and, usually, light.
   • chemical combination attended by production of heat and light.
   • slow oxidation not accompanied by high temperature and light.
3. violent excitement;
   tumult.

• Late Latin combūstiōn- (stem of combūstiō). See combust, -ion
• Middle French)
• late Middle English (1400–50

com•bus′tive, adj.