Definition

Something that cannot catch fire or be burned.

Example

The building materials used in the construction were nonburnable to ensure safety.

Conversation

I just bought some nonburnable materials for my fire pit.

That sounds interesting! What did you get?

I got some stones and bricks that won't catch fire.

Perfect choice! They’ll make your fire pit much safer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonburnable → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "burnable" (from "burn" which comes from Old English "byrnan", meaning to consume with fire, and the suffix "-able" meaning capable of). The word "nonburnable" means not capable of being consumed by fire.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') being added to 'capable of burning' ('burnable') — that's why nonburnable means something that cannot catch fire.

Visually Confused Words