combustible

[/kəmˈbʌstəbəl/]
adjective, nounN/A (adjective); masculine (noun - combustível)pl: combustibles (noun)
combustível
1. Adjective: Capable of catching fire and burning easily; flammable
Gasoline is a highly combustible liquid.
Gasolina é um líquido altamente combustível.
2. Adjective: (figurative) Prone to anger or violence; easily provoked
The situation was combustible and could explode at any moment.
A situação era combustível e podia explodir a qualquer momento.
3. Noun: A substance that is capable of burning; fuel
Coal is a combustible that has been used for centuries.
Carvão é um combustível que tem sido utilizado há séculos.
In both Brazilian and American English, 'combustible' is the preferred technical term in safety regulations and material handling. The figurative use describing volatile personalities or tense situations is common in both cultures. In Brazil, 'combustível' is also the standard word for fuel in vehicles and machinery.
NYC Slang
hot-headed (figurative usage); fire (when referring to something explosive or intense)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
flammableinflammableincendiaryvolatileexplosive
Antonyms / Antônimos
non-flammableincombustiblefireproofnon-inflammable

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
combustível
Standard term used in technical, scientific, and everyday contexts
Portugal
combustível
Same usage as in Brazil; also used in legal and regulatory contexts
USA English
combustible
Preferred in technical and safety documentation over 'inflammable' to avoid confusion

Related Words

combustioncombustfueligniteflammablefirevolatile

Related Idioms & Phrases

a combustible situation
combustible mixture
combustible material
a combustible personality
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