(n.) The process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke. Syn: Flame, Flaming. Four Types, See: Blaze, Blazing; Flare; Ignition; Spontaneous Combustion. Type of: Burning, Combustion: A process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to give heat and light. (n.) (1-a) Once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles). Type of: Element: one of four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the physical universe. (1-b) The event of something burning (often destructive). Thirteen Types, See: Backfire; Balefire, Bonfire; Brush Fire; Campfire; Conflagration, Inferno; Forest Fire; Grassfire, Prairie Fire; Smolder, Smoulder; Smudge; Crown Fire; Ground Fire; Surface Fire; Wildfire. Type of: Happening, Natural Event, Occurrence, Occurrent: An event that happens. (1-c) Fuel that is burning and is used as a means for cooking. Type of: Fuel: A substance that can be consumed to produce energy. (1-d) A fireplace in which a relatively small fire is burning. Types: Cookfire: A fire for cooking. Type of: Fireplace, Hearth, Open Fireplace: An open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built. (v.) (1-a) Bake in a kiln so as to harden. “fire pottery”. Type of: Bake: Cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven. (1-b) Provide with fuel. “Oil fires the furnace”. Syn: Fuel. Type of: Furnish, Provide, Render, Supply: Give something useful or necessary to. (1-c) Destroy by fire. Syn: (1) Burn, Burn Down. (2) Burn, Combust: Undergo combustion. (3) Burn, Incinerate: Cause to undergo combustion. Four Types, See: Backfire; Cremate; Torch; Scorch. Type of: Destroy, Ruin: Destroy completely; damage irreparably. (2) The act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy. Syn: Firing