COMBUSTIBLE
Com*bus"ti*ble, n.
Defn: A substance that may bee set on fire, or which is liable to
take fire and burn.
All such combustibles as are cheap enough for common use go under the
name of fuel. Ure.
COMBUSTIBLENESS
Com*bus"ti*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Combustibility.
COMBUSTION
Com*bus"tion, n. Etym: [L. combustio: cf. F. combustion.]
1. The state of burning.
2. (Chem.)
Defn: The combination of a combustible with a supporter of combustion, producing heat, and sometimes both light and heat. Combustion results is common cases from the mutual chemical action and reaction of the combustible and the oxygen of the atmosphere, whereby a new compound is formed. Ure. Supporter of combustion (Chem.), a gas as oxygen, the combination of which with a combustible, as coal, constitutes combustion.
3. Violent agitation; confusion; tumult. [Obs.]
There [were] great combustions and divisions among the heads of the
university. Mede.
But say from whence this new combustion springs. Dryden.
COMBUSTION CHAMBER Com*bus"tion cham`ber. (Mech.) (a) A space over, or in front of , a boiler furnace where the gases from the fire become more thoroughly mixed and burnt. (b) The clearance space in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine where the charge is compressed and ignited.