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
Their practical use has been stalled by traditional liquid electrolytes that pose severe risks, including leakage, combustion, and the formation of lithium dendrites—microscopic metal spikes that can cause short circuits.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
That goal has now been postponed—for now, at least—with the car maker continuing to produce internal-combustion-engine iterations, with no official date for an all-electric version on the horizon.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
Generally speaking, EVs are heavier than their internal combustion counterparts.
—Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
The frustration that had been simmering throughout a dreadful collective display reached combustion levels.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for combustion
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Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
That goal has now been postponed—for now, at least—with the car maker continuing to produce internal-combustion-engine iterations, with no official date for an all-electric version on the horizon.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
Generally speaking, EVs are heavier than their internal combustion counterparts.
—Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
The frustration that had been simmering throughout a dreadful collective display reached combustion levels.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for combustion
Cite this Entry
“Combustion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combustion. Accessed 29 Oct. 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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