Volatile Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of VOLATILE

[more volatile; most volatile]

1

a

:

likely to change in a very sudden or extreme way

• The stock market can be very volatile.

b

:

having or showing extreme or sudden changes of emotion

• She is a volatile woman.
• He has a very volatile temper. [=he gets angry very suddenly and violently]

2

:

likely to become dangerous or out of control

• The protests are increasing, creating a volatile situation in the capital.

3

technical

:

easily becoming a gas at a fairly low temperature

• a volatile solvent
• highly volatile compounds

— volatility

/ˌvɑːləˈtɪləti/

noun

[noncount]

Britannica Dictionary definition of VOLATILE

:

a chemical or compound that changes into a gas easily