An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Any chemical reaction in which a substance (fuel) combines with oxygen to produce heat and often light. Combustion reactions usually involve a complex sequence of free-radical chain reactions. The light is produced by excited atoms, molecules, or ions.
   

2. → nuclear combustion.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. combustion, from L. combustionem (nominative combustio) “a burning,” noun of action from p.p. stem of comburere “to burn,” from → com-, intensive prefix + urere “to burn.”

Etymology (PE): Suzeš, → burning