Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COM-BUS'TION, n. [combus'chun; Low L. combustio. See Combust.]

1. The operation of fire on inflammable substances; or according to modern chimistry, the union of an inflammable substance with oxygen, attended with light, and in most instances with heat. In the combustion of a substance, heat or caloric is disengaged, and oxygen is absorbed. – Lavoisier. This theory of Lavoisier being found somewhat defective, the following definition is given. Combustion is the disengagement of heat and light which accompanies chimical combination. – Ure. Combustion cannot be regarded as dependent on any peculiar principle or form of matter, but must be considered as a general result of intense chimical action. – Brande.
2. In popular language, a burning; the process or action of fire in consuming a body, attended with heat, or heat and flame; as, the combustion of wood or coal.
3. Conflagration; a great fire. Hence, from the violent agitation of fire or flame,
4. Tumult; violent agitation with hurry and noise; confusion; uproar. – Hooker. Milton. Dryden.