non-flammable
Definition
Adjective: "non-flammable" describes a material or substance that is not easily set on fire or does not catch fire readily. It indicates resistance to combustion under normal conditions.
Usage Examples
- (The material does not catch fire easily.)
- (The liquid will not ignite or burn easily.)
- (The clothing does not burn when exposed to flames.)
Advanced Usage
- "certified non-flammable": officially tested and approved as resistant to fire.
- The insulation is certified non-flammable by the national safety board. (The insulation has been tested and confirmed to resist burning.)
- "non-flammable gas": a gas that does not support combustion.
- Carbon dioxide is a common non-flammable gas used in fire extinguishers. (CO₂ does not burn or help other materials burn.)
Variants and Related Words
- Non-flammability (noun): the quality or state of being non-flammable.
- The non-flammability of the fabric was a key selling point. (The fabric's resistance to fire was important.)
- Flammable (adjective): easily set on fire (the opposite of non-flammable).
- Gasoline is highly flammable, unlike this non-flammable solvent. (Gasoline catches fire easily; the solvent does not.)
Synonyms
- Fire-resistant: able to withstand fire or high temperatures without burning.
- Incombustible: incapable of being burned (formal term).
- Non-combustible: not capable of catching fire or burning.
Antonyms
- Flammable: easily ignited and capable of burning.
- Combustible: capable of catching fire and burning.
Related Idioms
Phrasal Verbs