adjective
inflammable
in-FLAM-uh-bul/ɪnˈflæməbl/
Readily catching fire when exposed to ignition.
The dry, inflammable paper catches fire on the metal tray.
Etymology
The pieces express being capable of being set on fire. Here in- belongs to the fire-kindling verb, not the prefix meaning “not,” so inflammable describes something that burns readily.
In context
"The absence of rain for three weeks had left everything in so dry and inflammable a condition that a spark might set a fire which would sweep from end to end of the city."
More examples
- Keep inflammable liquids away from sparks and open flames.
- The label warns that the cleaning solvent is inflammable.
- Dry grass provides highly inflammable fuel for a wildfire.
Forms
inflammable
inflammability noun — The ability to catch fire easily.
Similar words
- flammable
- Means the same thing but avoids confusion with nonflammable.
- combustible
- Can burn, but does not necessarily catch fire easily.