The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Combustion \Com*bus"tion\ (?; 106), n. [L. combustio: cf. F.
combustion.]
1. The state of burning.
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2. (Chem.) The combination of a combustible with a supporter
of combustion, producing heat, and sometimes both light
and heat.
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Combustion results in common cases from the mutual
chemical action and reaction of the combustible and
the oxygen of the atmosphere, whereby a new compound
is formed. --Ure.
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Supporter of combustion (Chem.), a gas, as oxygen, the
combination of which with a combustible, as coal,
constitutes combustion.
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3. Violent agitation; confusion; tumult. [Obs.]
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There [were] great combustions and divisions among
the heads of the university. --Mede.
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But say from whence this new combustion springs.
--Dryden.
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