combustion
noun
com·bus·tion
kəm-ˈbəs-chən 
1
: an act or instance of burning
Smoke is produced during combustion.
2
: a usually rapid chemical process (such as oxidation) that produces heat and usually light
The carburetor mixes fuel with air for combustion.
also
: a slower oxidation (as in the body)
3
: violent agitation : tumult
… periods of great social combustion alternating with quiescence …—
Kurt Andersen
Kurt AndersenExamples of combustion in a Sentence
Combustion may occur at high temperatures.
This ratio of air to fuel results in better combustion.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health explains that the combustion of siding, roofing tiles, and insulation produces ash that can contain asbestos and heavy metals like lead.
—Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Jan. 2025
Several factors affect the level of creosote created during the burning process, including incomplete combustion, which can result from burning green or wet wood and burning without ample airflow.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2025
In addition, heat from combustion causes some pesticides to degrade into harmful gases such as hydrogen cyanide.
—Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Researchers are already monitoring soil to see what kinds of heavy metals and other toxins have seeped in during the combustion process.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for combustion 
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Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Jan. 2025
Several factors affect the level of creosote created during the burning process, including incomplete combustion, which can result from burning green or wet wood and burning without ample airflow.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2025
In addition, heat from combustion causes some pesticides to degrade into harmful gases such as hydrogen cyanide.
—Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Researchers are already monitoring soil to see what kinds of heavy metals and other toxins have seeped in during the combustion process.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for combustion
Dictionary Entries Near combustion
Cite this Entry
“Combustion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combustion. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
combustion
noun
com·bus·tion
kəm-ˈbəs-chən
1
: an act or instance of burning
2
: a chemical process in which substances combine with oxygen
Medical Definition
combustion
noun
com·bus·tion
kəm-ˈbəs-chən
: a usually very rapid chemical process (as oxidation) that produces heat and usually light
also
: a slower oxidation (as in the body)
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