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combustion
Definition
Combustion is when something burns.
When something burns, it combines with oxygen and releases energy in the form of heat and light.
Combustion can be used to cook food, heat homes, and power engines.
How can the word be used?
A chemical reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
Combustion: The rapid chemical combination of a fuel with oxygen, accompanied by the production of heat and light.
Combustible: A substance that is capable of combustion.
Combustor: A device in which combustion takes place.
Adjective:
Combustible: Capable of combustion.
Incendiary: Capable of causing combustion.
Etymology
The word “combustion” comes from the Latin word “comburere”, which means “to burn up”. The Latin word “comburere” is made up of the prefix “com-”, which means “together”, and the verb “urere”, which means “to burn”.
Question
What causes something to combust?