volatile

• Décrit quelque chose qui peut changer soudainement et de manière imprévisible, souvent en mal, ou qui est instable ou explosif.

Describes something that is likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly, especially for the worse.

1. Chemically unstableB2formalscientific

   Tending to evaporate or change into vapor easily at ordinary temperatures.

   volatile (chimie)

   • Gasoline is a highly volatile liquid.
   • Volatile solvents should be stored in a cool place.
   • The chemist handled the volatile compound with extreme caution.

   Synonymesevaporativefugitivevaporizablevaporous

   Antonymesnonvolatilestable

2. Unpredictable or changeableB2formal

   Likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly, especially for the worse.

   volatile (figuré)

   • The political situation in the region remains volatile.
   • Stock markets can be very volatile during economic crises.
   • He has a volatile temper that makes him difficult to work with.

   Synonymescapriciouschangeableerraticficklefluctuatinginconstantmercurialunpredictableunstablevariable

   Antonymescalmconstantpredictablereliablestablesteady

3. Explosive or dangerousB2formal

   Potentially violent or explosive; likely to erupt.

   explosif / dangereux

   • The protest turned volatile when police arrived.
   • Relations between the two countries are increasingly volatile.
   • The meeting became volatile after the controversial proposal.

   Synonymescombustibledangerouseruptiveexplosivefieryinflammatorytenseunstable

   Antonymescalmpeacefulsafestabletranquil

• Substance qui passe facilement de l'état solide ou liquide à l'état de vapeur.

A noun referring to a substance that changes readily from a solid or liquid state to a vapor.

1. Volatile substanceC1formalscientific

   A substance that changes readily from a solid or liquid to a vapor at relatively low temperatures.

   Substance volatile

   • The chemist carefully stored the volatile in a sealed container.
   • Volatiles like acetone evaporate quickly at room temperature.
   • The lab technician handled the volatile with protective gloves.

   Antonymesnonvolatilestable