incombustible

[ in-kuhm-buhs-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not combustible; incapable of being burned; fireproof.

noun

1. an incombustible substance.

incombustible

/ ˌɪnkəmˈbʌstəbəl /

adjective

1. not capable of being burnt; fireproof

noun

1. an incombustible object or material

Derived Forms

• ˌincomˌbustiˈbility, noun
• ˌincomˈbustibly, adverb

Other Words From

• incom·busti·bili·ty incom·busti·ble·ness noun
• incom·busti·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of incombustible¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word incombustibilis. See in- ³, combustible

Example Sentences

The cruel lesson: Invest in incombustible masonry and stone, or pay the fiery piper.

From Seattle Times

And yes, stone is an incombustible material; but with high heat it might start cracking here and there.

From Scientific American

“As soon as the building is higher than the firefighters’ ladders, it has to be conceived with an incombustible material,” a caption says.

From New York Times

The water which a plant contains and the incombustible portions, the mineral matters or ash, are taken directly from the soil by means of the roots.

From Project Gutenberg

Another very important application of soluble silicates is the rendering of wood incombustible.

From Project Gutenberg