Combust

Pronunciation

Origin

From Old French combust, from Latin combūstus.

Full definition of combust

Verb

1. To burn; to catch fire.

Derived terms

Hyponyms

• deflagrate
• detonate

Adjective

1. (obsolete) Burnt.
2. (astrology) In close conjunction with the sun (so that its astrological influence is "burnt up"), sometimes specified to be within 8 degrees 30'.
• 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, I.iii.1.3:Guianerius had a patient could make Latin verses when the moon was combust, otherwise illiterate.
• 1644, John Milton, Aeropagitica:Who can discern those planets that are oft Combust, and those stars of brightest magnitude that rise and set with the Sun, untill the opposite motion of their orbs bring them to such a place in the firmament, where they may be seen evning or morning.