Pronunciation: [nˌɒnflˈaməbə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "nonflammable" means something that is not easily ignited and burned. It is spelled as /nɒn-ˈflæməbəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription, indicating that it is composed of four syllables: /non/ is pronounced as "non", /flam/ as "flam", /m/ as "m", and finally, /able/ as "able". The word's spelling is derived from the prefix "non-" meaning "not", and the root word "flammable" meaning "able to catch fire easily".
The term "nonflammable" refers to a characteristic or property of a substance, material, or object that indicates it is not prone to catching fire, igniting, or burning when exposed to fire, heat, or other sources of ignition. The prefix "non-" suggests the absence or opposite of the quality associated with the root word "flammable." Nonflammable substances are inherently resistant to combustion and do not sustain a flame when subjected to high temperatures or flames.
Nonflammable materials are typically sought after for their safety and practicality, especially in environments or industries where fire hazards are a concern. These materials prevent or significantly reduce the risk of fire, providing a higher degree of security in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings.
There are various ways in which substances achieve nonflammable properties. Examples include fire-resistant chemicals added to the substance's composition, structural modifications that hinder or impede combustion, or the use of materials that possess inherently noncombustible characteristics. Nonflammable substances may be solids, liquids, or gases, with each category having distinct mechanisms for achieving their fire-resistant attributes.
Nonflammable materials are crucial in numerous applications, such as manufacturing fireproof clothing, constructing fire-resistant buildings or vehicles, and designing electrical systems where minimizing potential fire hazards is paramount. Understanding the nonflammable property helps individuals and industries make informed decisions in selecting appropriate materials that contribute to overall safety and peace of mind.
The word "nonflammable" is derived from the combination of the prefix "non-" which means "not" or "without", and the word "flammable", which comes from the Latin word "flammare", meaning "to set on fire". In English, "flammable" is used to describe something that can easily catch fire and burn, while "nonflammable" is used to describe something that is not easily flammable and does not burn easily.
