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

It’s a question many are now asking in Las Posas Estates and Camarillo Heights — two affluent communities nestled against the foothills of the Santa Susana mountains and dangerously close to a flammable, brush-dominated ecosystem.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Some fire researchers say taking simple steps to clear yards, roofs and gutters of flammable vegetation and ensuring there is absolutely no opening for embers to get inside — whether a dog door, a vent or an open window — can virtually fireproof a home.

From Los Angeles Times

Another independent study found that both hardening the home and clearing nearby spaces of flammable brush cut the chance of destruction in half — from 40% chance to 20%.

From Los Angeles Times

Other measures did little to save houses — such as clearing nearby flammable vegetation beyond 15 feet around the house, which, at best, reduced the risk by 3%.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• combustible
• incendiary