Definition of combustion

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< combustible

combustion chamber >

com·bus·tion    (km-bschn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. The process of burning.
2. A chemical change, especially oxidation, accompanied by the production of heat and light.
3. Violent anger or agitation: Combustion within the populace slowly built up to the point of revolution.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Late Latin combusti, combustin-, from Latin combustus, past participle of combrere, to burn up, blend of com-, intensive pref. ; see com-, and ambrere, to burn around ( amb-, ambi-, ambi- + rere, to burn)

OTHER FORMS:
com·bustive  (-tv) KEY (Adjective)