fire-resistant
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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.