flammable

[ flam-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. easily set on fire; combustible; inflammable.

flammable

/ ˈflæməbəl /

adjective

1. liable to catch fire; readily combustible; inflammable

Usage

Flammable and inflammable are interchangeable when used of the properties of materials. Flammable is, however, often preferred for warning labels as there is less likelihood of misunderstanding ( inflammable being sometimes taken to mean not flammable ). Inflammable is preferred in figurative contexts: this could prove to be an inflammable situation

Confusables Note

See inflammable.

Derived Forms

• ˌflammaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• flam·ma·bil·i·ty [flam-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of flammable¹

First recorded in 1805–15; from Latin flammā(re) “to set on fire” + -ble

Example Sentences

According to their research, the Aleppo pine's highly flammable leaves and cones have increased the risks of fire.

From Salon

Her own recent study found levels of flammable forest undergrowth surged in southeastern Australia after European colonists arrived.

From Science Magazine

As fires devour flammable brush and vegetation, the heat propels burning embers upward.

From Los Angeles Times

Typically, fires make an area less prone to another fire soon after, since they burn up much of the most flammable fuels, which can take many years to grow back.

From Los Angeles Times

The ballots are nearly airtight and testing by fire officials “showed that anything flammable should extinguish very quickly,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• combustible
• incendiary