The spelling of the word "inflammability" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable begins with the sound "ɪn," followed by "flə" for the second syllable. The third syllable begins with the sound "mə," and the fourth syllable is "bɪl." The final syllable features the sound "ɪti." The unusual spelling of this word is due to the emphasis on the double "m" and the double "l" sounds in the middle of the word.
Inflammability is the characteristic or property of a substance that makes it highly susceptible to catching fire or burning easily when exposed to an ignition source. It refers to the ability of a material to ignite and sustain combustion. This term primarily encompasses the capacity of a substance to undergo rapid combustion, often resulting in the release of flames, heat, and gases.
When a material is classified as inflammable, it means that it has a low flash point, implying that it can readily ignite upon contact with a spark, flame, or heat source. Substances with high flammability levels have a greater propensity to burn violently, spreading fire rapidly and posing a significant risk to life and property.
Factors determining the inflammability of a substance include its chemical composition, volatility, and physical properties such as vapor pressure and ignition temperature. Furthermore, the presence of flammable gases, volatile liquids, or combustible solids contributes to an increased inflammability potential.
Knowledge of a substance's inflammability is essential to ensure proper handling, storage, and transportation of potentially hazardous materials. It plays a vital role in fire safety protocols, enabling individuals to take appropriate precautionary measures to prevent and control fires effectively.
The state or quality of being readily set on fire.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "inflammability" is derived from the Latin word "inflammare", which means "to set on fire" or "to inflame". It is formed by adding the suffix "-ability", which indicates the capacity or susceptibility to a particular action, to the root word "inflame". "Inflame" itself originated from the Latin word "inflammare", which is a combination of the prefix "in-" (meaning "in" or "into") and "flammare" (meaning "to set on fire").