combustion
Meaning: The process of burning, in which a substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light. The internal combustion engine powers most motor vehicles.
Combustion is a chemical reaction that releases energy, and it is the fundamental process behind most power generation and transport. An internal combustion engine burns fuel inside cylinders to produce mechanical energy. 'Spontaneous combustion' occurs when a material ignites without an external spark. The phrase 'internal combustion engine' (often abbreviated to ICE) has become prominent in discussions about the transition to electric vehicles, as many countries plan to ban the sale of new ICE cars.
Examples
- The internal combustion engine has dominated road transport for over a century, but electric alternatives are rapidly gaining ground. 内燃机主导公路运输已逾一个世纪,但电动替代方案正在迅速崛起。El motor de combustión interna ha dominado el transporte por carretera durante más de un siglo, pero las alternativas eléctricas están ganando terreno rápidamente.内燃機関は1世紀以上にわたって道路輸送を支配してきましたが、電気自動車という代替手段が急速に普及しつつあります。내연기관은 한 세기 넘게 도로 운송을 지배해 왔지만, 전기 대안이 빠르게 확산되고 있습니다.
- The fire investigator determined that the blaze was caused by the spontaneous combustion of oily rags left in a confined space. 火灾调查员确定,火灾是由放置在密闭空间内的油腻抹布自燃引起的。El investigador de incendios determinó que el fuego fue causado por la combustión espontánea de trapos aceitosos dejados en un espacio confinado.火災調査官は、密閉空間に放置された油のついた布の自然発火が出火原因であると判定しました。화재 조사관은 밀폐된 공간에 방치된 기름 묻은 걸레의 자연 발화가 화재 원인이라고 판정했습니다.
- Complete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels produces carbon dioxide and water, whilst incomplete combustion also releases carbon monoxide. 碳氢燃料的完全燃烧产生二氧化碳和水,而不完全燃烧还会释放一氧化碳。La combustión completa de hidrocarburos produce dióxido de carbono y agua, mientras que la combustión incompleta también libera monóxido de carbono.炭化水素燃料の完全燃焼は二酸化炭素と水を生成し、不完全燃焼はさらに一酸化炭素も放出します。탄화수소 연료의 완전 연소는 이산화탄소와 물을 생성하며, 불완전 연소 시에는 일산화탄소도 방출됩니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: scientific, professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin combustionem (a burning), from comburere (to burn up), from com- (intensive prefix) and burere, an altered form of urere (to burn). Entered English in the 15th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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