The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

flammable

IPA:

Dictionary definition of flammable

A substance that is easily ignited and capable of catching fire or burning rapidly.
"The chemical plant had to evacuate when a flammable gas leak was detected."

Detailed meaning of flammable

It refers to materials that are highly combustible and can be dangerous if not handled properly. Flammable materials include liquids, gases, and solids that can ignite easily and release a significant amount of heat and energy. Examples of flammable substances include gasoline, alcohol, propane, and certain types of chemicals. The term "flammable" is often used in warning labels and safety instructions to indicate that a substance poses a fire hazard and should be handled with care. It is important to keep flammable materials away from sources of heat, sparks, and open flames, and to store them in appropriate containers and locations to prevent accidents and fires.

Example sentences containing flammable

1. Gasoline is a highly flammable liquid that should be handled with extreme care.
2. The label on the spray can warns that the contents are flammable.
3. The warehouse had to install fire safety measures because of the flammable materials stored there.
4. The factory had to dispose of the flammable waste in a special manner.
5. The fire department reminded residents that fireworks are flammable and should be used with caution.
6. The homeowner had to replace the flammable roofing material after a fire broke out.

History and etymology of flammable

The adjective 'flammable' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'flammare,' which means 'to set on fire' or 'to ignite.' In Latin, 'flammare' is derived from 'flamma,' which translates to 'flame.' Over time, as the term made its way into English, it came to describe substances that are easily ignited and capable of catching fire or burning rapidly. The prefix 'in-' was added to 'flammable' to create the opposite term 'inflammable,' which has a similar meaning. However, due to confusion between 'in-' as a negation and 'in-' as an intensifier, 'inflammable' was often misunderstood to mean non-flammable. To avoid confusion, 'flammable' became the preferred term in many contexts. The etymology of 'flammable' emphasizes its historical connection to the idea of ignitability, underscoring the potential for rapid combustion in substances described as such.

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Further usage examples of flammable

1. The scientist wore protective gear when working with the flammable chemicals in the lab.
2. The shipping company had to comply with strict regulations when transporting flammable materials.
3. The camping gear had to be kept away from the campfire because of its flammable properties.
4. The cleaning product contained flammable solvents and needed to be used in a well-ventilated area.
5. The firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread to the flammable materials nearby.
6. It's essential to store flammable materials safely to prevent accidents.
7. The warning label clearly indicates the presence of flammable gases.
8. Please keep all flammable objects away from open flames.
9. The storage room is designed to isolate flammable chemicals.
10. The flammable nature of gasoline makes it a fire hazard.
11. Avoid smoking near flammable liquids to prevent disasters.
12. Firefighters undergo rigorous training to handle flammable situations.
13. The factory's safety protocol addresses flammable materials.
14. Spontaneous combustion can occur with certain flammable substances.
15. These curtains are treated to be less flammable.
16. We need a fire extinguisher in case of flammable emergencies.
17. The laboratory houses a variety of flammable chemicals.
18. The fire department responded quickly to the flammable spill.
19. Flammable vapors can ignite with even the slightest spark.
20. The storage cabinets are fireproof to contain flammable items.
21. Handling flammable materials requires proper protective gear.
22. Flammable solvents are commonly used in industrial processes.
23. Flammable gas leaks can lead to catastrophic accidents.
24. The warning signs indicate a flammable environment ahead.
25. Fire codes mandate special precautions for flammable storage.