The word "incombustible" is spelled with the prefix "in-" meaning "not", followed by "combustible", meaning "able to catch fire". The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˌɪnkəmˈbʌstəbəl/. The stress falls on the second syllable, "combust". The prefix "in-" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, an unstressed "uh" sound, and a reduced "n" sound. The final syllable, "-ble", is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by a clear "l" sound.
Incombustible is an adjective that describes something that cannot be burned or set on fire, remaining unaltered even when exposed to extremely high temperatures or intense heat. It is derived from the Latin word "incombustibilis," which is a combination of the prefix "in," meaning "not," and the word "combustibilis," meaning "capable of being burned."
The term is commonly used to refer to materials or substances that are resistant to combustion. Incombustible materials possess properties that prevent or inhibit combustion, making them safer in certain circumstances, particularly in environments where there is a high risk of fire. Examples of incombustible materials include certain metals, such as steel or aluminum, as well as various minerals like asbestos or concrete.
When applied to objects or structures, incombustible implies that they are immune to fire damage or that they will not contribute to the spread of flames. Buildings constructed with incombustible materials tend to have a higher fire resistance rating and are often designed to comply with fire safety regulations and codes. Additionally, fire protection systems may utilize incombustible insulation or fireproof coatings to reduce the flammability of a structure.
Overall, the term incombustible highlights the quality of resistance to fire and reinforces the inability of a substance to ignite or burn, providing increased safety and protection in situations where the risk of fire is a concern.
That cannot be burnt or consumed by fire.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "incombustible" is derived from the Latin term "incombustibilis", which consists of two root words: "in", meaning "not", and "combustibilis", meaning "capable of being burned". The Latin term was formed by combining the prefix "in-" and the word "combustibilis". The Latin "combustibilis" is derived from the verb "combūrere", which means "to burn up". Therefore, "incombustible" literally means "not capable of being burned".