1. to catch fire and burn
2. to undergo rapid chemical combination with oxygen, producing heat and light
Usage: technical

Examples

• The dry leaves will combust easily in this heat.
• Paper combusts at about 451 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The fuel mixture combusted in the engine cylinder.
• Oily rags can spontaneously combust if left in a pile.
• The scientist studied how different materials combust under various conditions.
• Without proper ventilation, the gas could combust dangerously.