Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Difficult to burn; able to withstand exposure to fire or high temperatures without igniting or being destroyed quickly: Describes a material, substance, or object that is designed or naturally able to resist catching fire or to slow the spread of flames.

Usage

• The adjective "fire-resistant" is used to describe the property of an object or material. It is typically placed before a noun (e.g., fire-resistant fabric) or used after a linking verb like "is" or "are" (e.g., This material is fire-resistant).
• It is a hyphenated compound adjective.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The building code requires the use of fire-resistant materials for the insulation.
  • These curtains are labeled as fire-resistant for added safety.
  • A fire-resistant safe is essential for protecting important documents.

Advanced Usage

• "Fire-resistant" vs. "Fireproof": While often used interchangeably in casual speech, "fire-resistant" typically means a material can withstand fire for a limited time or up to a certain temperature, whereas "fireproof" suggests a higher degree of protection, implying it cannot be burned at all. In technical contexts, "fire-resistant" is the more precise and commonly used term.
• In technical/industrial contexts: The term is often part of specifications and safety standards (e.g., UL fire-resistant rating).

Variants and Related Words

• Fire resistance (n): The property or ability to resist fire.
  • The fire resistance of the new polymer was tested in the lab.
• Fire-retardant (adj): Similar to fire-resistant, but often implies a chemical treatment that actively slows or prevents combustion.
  • The children's pajamas are made from fire-retardant fabric.

Synonyms

• Flame-retardant: Inhibits the spread of flame.
• Non-flammable: Not easily set on fire. (Note: "Non-flammable" is an absolute term, while "fire-resistant" is often relative to a duration or intensity.)
• Incombustible: Incapable of being burned.

Antonyms

• Flammable: Easily set on fire.
• Combustible: Capable of catching fire and burning.

Adjective

1. difficult to burn