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
That’s lusty output for a mere 3.0-liter engine, literally sparked by the Nettuno’s calling card: pre-ignition chambers atop each cylinder that set off an initial charge of fuel and air, which jet into cylinders like little flamethrowers for more efficient and thorough combustion.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025
Future applications include improving the combustion efficiency of fuels or developing better fire-retardant coatings.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
And will future Mercedes-Benz EVs resemble the brand's internal combustion vehicles, such as the electric G580?
A: The EQS sedan design is purposeful and very progressive -- probably like 10 years into the future.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2025
Indeed, fossil fuel combustion is constantly linked to climate change, and has been associated with the current Southern California fires.
—Arturo MacIas Franco, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for combustion
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Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025
Future applications include improving the combustion efficiency of fuels or developing better fire-retardant coatings.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
And will future Mercedes-Benz EVs resemble the brand's internal combustion vehicles, such as the electric G580?
A: The EQS sedan design is purposeful and very progressive -- probably like 10 years into the future.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2025
Indeed, fossil fuel combustion is constantly linked to climate change, and has been associated with the current Southern California fires.
—Arturo MacIas Franco, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 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 12 Mar. 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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