Word
combustion
Phoneticscom·bus·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/kəmˈbəstʃən/
UK/kəmbˈʌstʃən/
Definitions
01burning
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the process of burning something.
n. the chemical process of oxidation that occurs rapidly enough to produce heat and usually light.
“The engine works by using the combustion of petrol to create power.”
“Spontaneous combustion occurs when a substance ignites without an external heat source, typically due to internal chemical reactions that generate sufficient heat.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun in scientific descriptions, but countable when referring to specific instances or types of the process.
02violent excitement
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary · Formal
n. a state of great excitement, anger, or social trouble.
n. a state of violent agitation, tumult, or social upheaval.
“The city was in a state of combustion after the unfair trial.”
“The political landscape was ripe for combustion, with decades of suppressed resentment finally reaching a flashpoint.”
Teaching tip
This figurative sense is rare in modern speech; it is primarily found in older literature or high-level political commentary.
Real-World Examples
“Its engine's combustion results only in water vapor, with no carbon emissions.” “The new record surpasses the previous official hydrogen combustion title set in 2004 by more than double the speed.” 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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/combustion